Ian Roberts is a former NRL player, actor, and was the first rugby league professional in the world to have publicly declare himself as gay. To date, he is still the only male Australian professional rugby player to do so. He came out publicly in 1994, a controversial, groundbreaking admission at a time when homophobia was still prominent, especially in the world of sport.
At the height of his rugby career, Ian played for the Australian national team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and captained the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys. He was also twice the highest paid rugby player in the world. After retiring from rugby, Ian Roberts has pursued a second career in acting appearing in shows such as Little Fish, Dancing With The Stars, and Sea Patrol.
Ian Roberts is an outspoken advocate for tolerance and suicide prevention. He is considered a pioneer in his efforts paving the way for more diversity and acceptance in football and across all Australian sports.
