Keegan Hirst: Batley Bulldogs prop agrees move to Wakefield Wildcats

Keegan Hirst rejoined Batley in 2014, having previously spent two seasons with the club from 2013 to 2014

Super League side Wakefield have signed Batley prop Keegan Hirst on a one-year deal starting from next season.

Hirst, who became the first British rugby league player to come out as gay in August 2015, has scored two tries in 26 games for Bulldogs this season to help them reach the Qualifiers.

The 28-year-old has previously played for Hunslet, Dewsbury and Featherstone.

"It is a club with a lot of history and they have made big strides this season," he said.

"I'm also looking forward to playing in the Super League, it is something all players aspire to do and it is something that I have wanted to do as a kid."

Wakefield are eighth in the Super League table, 10 points outside the play-off places with six games left in the Super 8s.

'Everyone at the club supported me'

Hirst, currently Batley captain, announced his sexuality in an interview with the Sunday Mirror.

"When I came out, I was apprehensive about what reaction that news might provoke. But I needn't have worried," he added.

"Everyone at the club, from the top down, supported me. There was not one negative comment.

"I took great strength from that, and in many ways my game has improved ever since.

"I can't thank them, or the fans, enough for what they've done."