Former All Black prop Campbell Johnstone has become the first New Zealand rugby player to come out as gay.
Campbell Johnstone says he wants to take away the pressure from other All Blacks players
The 43-year-old, who played three Tests in 2005, says he confided in family and some of his teammates during his playing career but admits he felt he was living a ‘double life’ publicly. ‘If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure, I guess, the stigma surrounding that whole issue then it can actually help other people,’ Johnstone told TVNZ’s Seven Sharp programme.‘It could possibly be one of the final pieces in the public puzzle for New Zealand sports-wise and it could be a very vital piece that just gives everyone closure.’Johnstone also revealed he struggled with the pressure of his sexuality during his playing career.
‘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,’ Johnstone said.‘We had a phrase in rugby saying after a game if you could look yourself in the mirror and be honest with yourself then you’ve done enough… and here I was looking in the mirror having not been honest with my teammates.
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