Campbell Johnstone: Former New Zealand international prop becomes first openly gay All Blacks player

The 3-cap front row player has taken a step towards de-stigmatizing the sexuality of a younger generation of rugby players.

The 43-year-old won three caps with the All Blacks in 2005, spent four years with the Crusaders and then three years with Biarritz in France.

“If I can be the first All Blacks to come out as gay and remove the pressure and stigma around this whole issue, I can actually help other people,” Johnstone said.

“I can see that there is one among the All Blacks.”

The All Blacks sent a message of support to Johnston, praising him for “having the courage to share his story and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive game.”

Johnstone used to confide in those close to him about his sexuality during his playing days, but now admits that keeping his privacy more widely might have kept him at a distance.

“I was pushing that side of myself deeper and deeper,” Johnston said.

“It slowly starts to affect you, making double living and lying difficult.”