Former New Zealand prop Campbell Johnstone has revealed he is gay in an interview on New Zealand television show ‘Seven Sharp’.
Johnstone becomes the first All Black player in history to come out as gay and had already informed his family and close friends prior to the interview.
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.
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"If I open up that door and magically make that closet disappear, then we're going to help a lot of people."
Johnstone made his All Blacks debut against Fiji in 2005 and made three appearances. He also played for Canterbury and Crusaders.
The Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby, Mark Robinson, commended Johnstone’s decision to come out by saying his “strength and visibility will pave the way for others in our game".
“We know that there are people who have not always been comfortable to be who they are in rugby. We want to be clear, no matter who you love, rugby has your back”.
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