Campbell Johnstone

Campbell Johnstone is a former All Black who made history as the first openly gay man to represent New Zealand in rugby, combining a distinguished playing career with powerful advocacy for inclusion and authenticity. Since publicly coming out in 2023, he has become a sought-after speaker and author, with his latest book published in 2026, sharing his journey with audiences across corporate, sporting and community settings. Campbell also works as a project engineer on cyclone recovery projects in Hawke's Bay, demonstrating the resilience and determination that defined his rugby career. His sessions equip leaders and teams with practical tools to build safer, more inclusive cultures where people feel they belong, perform at their best, and thrive together.

When Campbell Johnstone publicly came out in January 2023, he became the first All Black in history to do so, transforming his legacy from rugby strength alone into a powerful force for inclusion and authenticity. Once known for having the hardest right shoulder in New Zealand rugby, Campbell built his career as a Crusaders and All Blacks prop through discipline, resilience and unwavering determination. His decision to share his truth years after retiring from professional sport marked a turning point, not only in rugby but across wider society, demonstrating the courage required to live openly in environments where difference has often remained hidden.

Campbell's credibility extends well beyond his rugby achievements. Today, he works as a project engineer on cyclone recovery projects in Hawke's Bay, applying the same commitment and problem-solving mindset that defined his playing days to rebuilding communities. He has also taken on rugby coaching roles, staying connected to the sport that shaped him whilst helping develop the next generation of players. In 2026, Campbell published his latest book, sharing his journey with honesty and insight, and offering readers a deeply personal account of navigating identity, performance and belonging. His work spans corporate events, sporting organisations and community settings, where his composed and quietly inspiring presence resonates with diverse audiences seeking practical guidance on leadership, resilience and the value of creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves.

Campbell's sessions equip leaders and teams with the tools to build genuinely inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive. He addresses the real challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in high-performance settings, drawing from lived experience to offer actionable insights rather than abstract ideals. Audiences leave with a clearer understanding of how fostering belonging drives better performance, stronger collaboration and deeper trust. His message is grounded and relatable: embracing difference isn't simply the right thing to do, it's what makes teams more successful. Whether speaking to corporate leaders, sports clubs or community groups, Campbell's story reminds organisations that authenticity and inclusion are not separate from performance, they are fundamental to it. His impact continues to grow as more teams recognise that creating space for people to bring their whole selves to work strengthens everyone.