TL;DR
- Kane Evans comes out as gay at 34
- Struggled with mental health since age 15
- Achieved sobriety and found acceptance
- Encourages others facing similar battles
- Second high-profile rugby player to come out
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the rugby world, former Australian rugby league player Kane Evans has come out as gay at the age of 34. Speaking candidly on 100% Footy, Evans opened up about the internal struggles he faced since he was just 15 years old, admitting he once contemplated taking his own life due to the overwhelming pressure of living in denial.
“I wanted to top myself, because I was living in denial from a young age,” Evans shared, detailing the emotional turmoil that had haunted him for years. “I had three goals in life: to play NRL, to buy my parents a house, and then I wanted to top myself.” But now, he feels liberated. “I know if I surrender, it’s just going to be a start to a new life,” he added, reflecting on his journey toward acceptance.
Evans, who recently celebrated over four months of sobriety, expressed gratitude for the support he received from his “little team” during his struggles with substance use. “I’ve been fighting a war within since I was about 15 years old and it’s not sustainable,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.
In his powerful interview, Evans also addressed the challenges of being blackmailed and threatened with public outing, which only added layers of shame and guilt to his already heavy burden. “Now I’ve spoken about it, I’ve shattered all those chains. They’ve lost their power,” he declared, emphasizing the relief that comes with honesty.
Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Evans began his rugby league career in 2014 with the Sydney Roosters and went on to play for the Parramatta Eels and New Zealand Warriors before wrapping up his professional journey in England in 2023. He is now the second high-profile rugby league player in Australia to come out as gay, following in the footsteps of Ian Roberts, who made headlines back in 1995.
After the interview aired, Evans took to Instagram to share an empowering message that resonated with many. “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],” he wrote, receiving an outpouring of support from fans and followers alike.
As Kane Evans steps into this new chapter of his life, his story serves as a beacon of hope for others grappling with their identity. In a world where acceptance is still a battle for many, Evans’ courage to speak out is a reminder that we are not alone, and that love and acceptance can triumph over fear and shame.