The Northern Hemisphere-based Super League Executive Chairman Robert Elstone said the signing "lets down many people" in the sport but said he had no power to veto the signing.
Thomas, himself a former dual-code international but who made his name in rugby union, is gay and said pulled no punches with his assessment of the signing.
“So Folau has joined the @SuperLeague. Really upset by this as the game, players, and fans were so good to me,” tweeted Thomas, who had an 18-month stint in rugby league playing for Crusaders and Wales in 2010 and 2011 after the end of his rugby union career.
“All I hope is that as much as Folau wanted his right to speak, then players and fans alike are aloud (sic) their right to respond. I will never watch him.”
So Folau has joined the @SuperLeague .Really upset by this as the game, players, and fans were so good to me.All I hope is that as much as Folau wanted his right to speak, then players and fans alike are aloud their right to respond . I will never watch him🌈🏉❤️