Former Australian rugby league player Kane Evans comes out as gay
"I wanted to top myself, because I was living in denial from a young age," said Evans
By Aaron Sugg
Former Australian rugby league player Kane Evans has publicly come out as gay at the age of 34.
In an emotional interview on 100% Footy, he said he had been fighting an internal battle since he was 15 years old and admitted that he had wanted to end his own life.
“I had three goals in life: to play NRL, to buy my parents a house, and then I wanted to top myself, because I was living in denial from a young age,” Evans told reporter James Bracey.
“I know if I surrender, it’s just going to be a start to a new life” – Kane Evans coming out as gay
“I still can’t believe that I’m here talking to you. This is definitely my worst nightmare. But I know if I surrender, it’s just going to be a start to a new life.”
He said he has recently achieved sobriety, celebrating more than four months sober in May, and thanked “a little team” who helped him through his substance use.
“I’ve been fighting a war within since I was about 15 years old and it’s not sustainable,” said Evans.
“There are people who are struggling with the same struggle” – Evans raising awareness
“But I know that there are people who are struggling with the same struggle that I’ve gone through. So I’m very blessed that I can come here and talk to you and be able to save a life or two.”
Evans also spoke about being subjected to attempts at blackmail and threats of being publicly outed, admitting that “it just built up a lot of shame and fear and guilt within myself”.
“Now I’ve spoken about it, I’ve shattered all those chains. They’ve lost their power. I feel like coming and speaking to you today… fear, shame, guilt – all of that. I’ve cut ties with all that.”
Evans rugby league career began in 2014 with Sydney Roosters
Evans joined the National Rugby League in 2014, playing for the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and New Zealand Warriors before finishing his professional career in England in 2023.
The rugby league player was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, in 1992. His father, Peter Davies, played rugby league during the 1980s.
Evans is the second high-profile rugby league player in Australia to come out as gay, following Ian Roberts in 1995.
“I love and accept who I am” – Evans coming to terms with his sexuality
After the interview was released yesterday (8 June), Evans posted an empowering message to Instagram, which saw a flood of support from online users.
“No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I love and accept who I am. Thank you God. Sa liu o koya [He is in the lead],” wrote the former rugby player.