Campbell Johnstone believes that coming out as gay will benefit other athletes in New Zealand.

On a current affairs television program on Monday, Johnstone, who played three times for the All Blacks, including in a Test series against the British and Irish Lions in 2005, revealed that he was gay.

He is the first out gay athlete to have played for the All Blacks organization.

"If I open up that door and magically make that closet disappear, then we're going to help a lot of people," said Johnstone.

"I pushed that side of me down deeper and deeper. I went to some interesting places."

Johnstone highlighted his desire in an interview with TVNZ that his status as the first All Black to come out could encourage others to feel more at ease in their own skin.

"If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and the stigma that comes with that issue then it can actually help other people.

"Yes, it is [a big thing], to be able to do that could possibly be one of the final pieces of the puzzle for New Zealand sports."

The ex-Crusaders player also said he had been "living a lie".

Arohanui Campbell Johnstone All Black #1056 – your strength and visibility will pave the way for others in sport here in Aotearoa and around the world 🖤🏉🌈 pic.twitter.com/LcEQsp2e1y— New Zealand Rugby (@NZRugby) January 30, 2023

Mark Robinson, the chief executive of New Zealand Rugby, praised Johnstone's bravery and strength. Robinson and Johnstone were teammates at Canterbury.

"On behalf of the New Zealand rugby community and as a former team-mate, I want to acknowledge and support Campbell for sharing his authentic story. Your strength and visibility will pave the way for the others in our game," said Robinson.

"Rugby is a sport that is welcoming to everyone and a place where people should feel safe to be who they are.

"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."