Campbell Johnstone, a prop who played three Tests in 2005 including two against the British and Irish Lions, has become the first All Blacks rugby player to come out as gay.
Johnstone made the announcement on a New Zealand current affairs television program on Monday, saying he had been “living a lie” and leading “a double life” before acknowledging his sexuality.
“If I open up that door and magically make that closet disappear, then we’re going to help a lot of people,” said Johnstone, who also played 38 Super Rugby matches for the Christchurch-based Crusaders.
“I pushed that side of me down deeper and deeper. I went to some interesting places.”
“If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and the stigma surrounding that whole issue, then it can actually help other people. We’ll know that there is one amongst the All Blacks.
“It would come to the surface when I may have had a bad game and I would look at that side of me and blame that side for it. It slowly starts to affect you and it’s hard living a double life or living a lie.
“And then there’s the other aspect that I’m maybe a little bit sad that we’re having to do this…but if I open up that door and kind of magically make that closet disappear then we’re going to help a lot of people.”
New Zealand Rugby quickly supported Johnstone’s decision to come out, praising him for “having the courage to share his story and helping create a more inclusive game”.
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said Johnstone’s “strength and visibility will pave the way for others”.
“Rugby is a sport that is welcoming to everyone and a place where people should feel safe to be who they are. We want to be clear, no matter who you love rugby has your back,” he said in a statement.
New Zealand Sports Minister and former deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, who is gay, said Johnstone’s announcement was a “big moment” and thanked him for “blazing this trail”.
“Now with the All Blacks another barrier has been broken. I hope it inspires future generations to be open, happy and comfortable. There is still a long way to go, but this feels a very significant step,” he said on Instagram.
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