The Rugby Football League (RFL) has become the first national governing body of a sport to sign up to Stonewall’s anti-homophobia campaign.

There are currently no openly gay men in the 350 professional rugby league players in the UK.

Stonewall’s “Some people are gay. Get over it!” posters will be appearing at rugby league grounds, and in programmes and fanzines to discourage homophobia. In addition, the RFL is setting up a LGB forum for staff and players.

The RFL’s equality and diversity manager Sarah Williams said the decision to join the Stonewall campaign came from the success of rugby clubs in Oldham and Salford which had been working with local gay, lesbian and bisexual groups. It was not prompted by concerns that spectators or players were homophobic.

“I’m pleased to be able to challenge assumptions by tackling homophobia and creating a genuinely inclusive organisation where people can be out in the workplace and where gay, lesbian and bisexual people want to work,” said Williams.

She added: “The ultimate aim would be if a high-profile coach or player sent a really positive message by coming out.”

“We’re delighted at the vision being shown by the RFL,” said Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall.

“Homophobia still deters far too many gay people from being both fans and participants in sport. We hope that we’ll soon see a British Ian Roberts, an iconic Rugby League player able both to come out as gay and play world class rugby at the same time.”

The RFL campaign will be officially launched after the start of the season in February 2009.

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