All Blacks Legend Became First New Zealand Rugby Star to Come Out as Gay
12/30/2024 03:40 AM
In a groundbreaking move for New Zealand rugby, Campbell Johnstone, former All Blacks prop, became the first player in the national team's history to publicly come out as gay.
Johnstone, who played for the legendary All Blacks in 2005, made the announcement on a New Zealand current affairs show in January 2023, calling it a step toward “taking away the pressure” and stigma that can surround sexuality in sports.
What Johnstone Had to Say
Reflecting on his journey, Johnstone admitted he'd been “living a lie” and leading a “double life” before embracing his true identity. “If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure, the stigma…then it can actually help other people,” he shared.
“We have a phrase in rugby that after a game, if you can look yourself in the mirror and be honest with yourself, you know you've done enough,” Johnstone said. “And here I was, looking in the mirror, not being honest with my teammates… that pressure builds up.”
An All Blacks Legacy
The 43-year-old prop, who suited up for the All Blacks in three Tests during 2005 — including his debut against Fiji and two clashes with the British and Irish Lions — has received widespread support from New Zealand Rugby.
They've praised his courage and commitment to fostering inclusivity within one of the most iconic sports teams in history.
LIST | 5 Gay Rugby Stars Who Are Out And Proud
While World Rugby is taking a firm stance on inclusion and diversity, there are many personalities who have been paving the way for this inspiring movement.
1.Nigel Owens
All fans, players, and anyone who knows anything about rugby will know the name, Nigel Owens. Besides having the record for most test matches refereed, Owens has earned a reputation as one of the top rugby referees around the world.
The Welshman is also a TV personality and a devoted activist for the LGBT cause, winning "Gay Sports Personality of the Decade" at the Stonewall awards ceremony in London back in 2015.
2.Gareth Thomas
The Wales legend is one of the greatest rugby players in the history of the UK, captaining the Welsh international side as well as the British and Irish Lions during his career.
Thomas publicly came out in 2009 and has since described his experience as a secretly gay player, revealing how the social pressure and stereotypes pose a significant challenge for many athletes today.
3.Craig Maxwell-Keys
Maxwell-Keys, who took charge of the 2020 Gallagher Premiership final, eventually decided the time was right to reveal his sexuality to colleagues at Twickenham as well as his local club, Lichfield RFC in 2019.
Now based in Cheltenham, he aims to continue moving up the referees’ pecking order – and his experiences since coming out have indicated that sexuality will be no barrier to that.
4.Sam Stanley
England Sevens international Sam Stanley became the first English professional rugby union player to publicly come out as gay in August 2015.
Now 26, the former Saracens back played in five Sevens World Series tournaments for England and belongs to one of the sport’s most famous families.
5.Mark Bingham
Not a professional but deserves a special mention. Mark, a gay rugby fan and sportsman, was a passenger on Flight 93 on September 11th, 2001.
Bingham is widely credited with helping prevent further deaths when he helped lead a passenger revolt against hijackers who had seized control of the plane and begun to direct it towards a target in Washington DC.
Rushing the cockpit and risking their own lives, the passengers successfully overthrew the hijackers and managed to bring down the plane in a field.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you're over 30 and can't name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it's time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we'd rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby's golden era. If the names don't come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you've got what it takes to ace this one? Let's find out. Good luck!
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