Retired rugby star Campbell Johnstone is planning a perfect wedding with his BF months after coming out
publicly came out as gay in January. Then they parted ways. Thomson, who used to ride horses professionally, was moving to London and Johnstone was heading to Spain to coach the sport he loves.But then COVID struck, and they both returned home to New Zealand.
That’s when the romance began in full swing.“You just know, you know?” the 43-year-old told New Zealand Woman’s Day. “It’s relaxed, it’s easy and it’s simple.”A post shared by ＢＥＮ (@beniboinz)Johnstone played for New Zealand’s top international rugby club, the All Blacks, who are considered one of the most successful teams in any sport…period.
Playing as a prop in 2005, Johnstone often found himself in battles for balls, fending off opponents with his body. It’s one of the most physical positions in a relentlessly physical sport.In his coming out interview, Johnstone admitted his role as an athlete impeded him from accepting his gay identity.“Within myself, I was never really comfortable with the whole concept,” he told TVNZ. “My dream was to be an All Black.”But after coming out to families and friends, Johnstone gained more self-confidence.
He decided to come out so he could be a role model.“If I open up that door and kind of magically make that closet disappear, then we’re going to help a lot of people,” he said. “If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and stigma surrounding the issue, it can actually help other people.”A post shared by Campbell Johnstone (@campbelljohnstone.nz)A post shared by Campbell Johnstone (@campbelljohnstone.nz)A post shared by Campbell Johnstone (@campbelljohnstone.nz)Johnstone’s story went worldwide, a testament to the reach of the All Blacks.
