Former All Blacks prop and the first openly gay All Black

Overview

Campbell Johnstone is a former All Blacks and Crusaders prop who in January 2023 became the first All Black ever to publicly come out as gay — an announcement that travelled around the world. A three-test All Black, Crusaders forward and former Biarritz and Ospreys player, he is now an internationally recognised voice for authenticity, inclusion and leadership in male-dominated environments.

Who is Campbell Johnstone? Born in 1980, Campbell played provincial rugby for Hawke's Bay (2000), Canterbury (2002 onwards) and Tasman (2012), Super Rugby for the Crusaders (2004), and represented the All Blacks in 2005 — debuting against Fiji and playing two tests against the British and Irish Lions. He played professionally in Europe for Biarritz (2008–2012) and the Ospreys (2012–13) before retiring in 2014. In January 2023 he came out publicly on TVNZ's Seven Sharp. He married his partner Ben Thomson in 2024.

Career Highlights • Three tests for the All Blacks in 2005 • 38 caps for the Crusaders; 72 for Canterbury • Played professionally for Biarritz (France) and the Ospreys (Wales) • First All Black ever to publicly come out as gay (January 2023) • Internationally recognised advocate for inclusion in sport • Public speaker and ambassador across NZ, Australia and globally

Key Speaking Themes • Identity, authenticity and being yourself in male environments • Inclusion and culture in elite sport • Mental health and living a "double life" • Courage, vulnerability and the strength in honesty • Allyship — what real support looks like

What Your Audience Will Gain Campbell is calm, generous and refreshingly honest. Audiences leave with a deeper understanding of what authentic culture and genuine inclusion really require — and the courage that real leadership sometimes takes.

Ideal For • Diversity, equity and inclusion conferences • Leadership and culture programmes • Sport, performance and team-culture events • Wellbeing and mental health forums • Schools and youth leadership programmes

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Campbell Johnstone speak about? Identity, authenticity, inclusion, mental health, leadership and culture in elite sport.

What is Campbell Johnstone best known for? Becoming the first All Black ever to publicly come out as gay, in a January 2023 interview on Seven Sharp.

How many tests did Campbell Johnstone play for the All Blacks? Three tests in 2005 — debuting against Fiji and playing two tests against the British and Irish Lions.

Where did Campbell Johnstone play overseas? He played professionally for Biarritz in France's Top 14 (2008–2012) and the Ospreys in Wales (2012–13).

Why did Campbell Johnstone come out publicly? To remove the stigma in NZ rugby and sport more broadly, and to help others who might be struggling to be themselves in male-dominated environments.

Is Campbell Johnstone available for keynotes and panels? Yes. Campbell speaks internationally and is in demand for DEI, leadership, sport and wellbeing events across NZ, Australia and globally.