1
Former All Black prop comes out as gay
By AAP
Campbell Johnstone, a prop who played three Tests in 2005 including two against the British and Irish Lions, has become the first All Blacks rugby player to come out as gay.
Johnstone made the announcement on a New Zealand current affairs television program on Monday, saying he had been "living a lie" and leading "a double life" before acknowledging his sexuality.
"If I open up that door and magically make that closet disappear, then we're going to help a lot of people," said Johnstone, who also played 38 Super Rugby matches for the Christchurch-based Crusaders.
"I pushed that side of me down deeper and deeper. I went to some interesting places."
New Zealand Rugby quickly supported Johnstone's decision to come out, praising him for "having the courage to share his story and helping create a more inclusive game".
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said Johnstone's "strength and visibility will pave the way for others".
"Rugby is a sport that is we lcoming to everyone and a place where people should feel safe to be who they are. We want to be clear, no matter who you love rugby has your back," he said in a statement.
New Zealand Sports Minister and former deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, who is gay, said Johnstone's announcement was a "big moment" and thanked him for "blazing this trail".
"Now with the All Blacks another barrier has been broken. I hope it inspires future generations to be open, happy and comfortable. There is still a long way to go, but this feels a very significant step," he said on Instagram.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Jake White: Ireland, Australia and Wales have the same problem
3
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
4
Let's be real about these All Blacks
5
Latest Comments
There is nothing particularly significant about Ireland in this regard compared to other Tier 1 nations. To look at 'strategy' for illegal play its best to see what teams push boundaries with new laws. SA have milked two tries at ruck block downs. The strategy is to charge the first few before the ball is out at about 4 seconds but pull out and put up hands in reigned apology. The referees usually allow the scum half to clear without awarding a penalty in this scenario. The problem with that being that the scrumhalf is now taking over 5 seconds through no fault of his own. Having achieved a few slow balls > 5s , the SA forward can now pick a scrum to charge dead on 5s. Now if the scrum half waits, he will concede a penalty, as we saw against Scotland. With the new rule in place, any early charge should result in an immediate penalty.
SA also got an offside block against England which was pivotal again after a couple of 'apologetic' offside aborted charges forcing England to clear slowly.
Go to commentsYep, you're not the sharpest tool in the shed are you?
Go to comments