Campbell Johnstone Marries Ben Thomson in New Zealand

Campbell Johnstone, the first openly gay member of the New Zealand All Blacks, has married his partner Ben Thomson in a secret mountaintop ceremony. The couple, who got engaged in July 2023, opted for an intimate celebration at Castle Hill Station, with no guests or celebrants present, just photographers documenting their special day. They later revealed their private vows during a larger celebration attended by family and friends, where they projected a video of their ceremony onto a big screen. Johnstone expressed that the day was meant to be special for just the two of them, allowing them to savor the moment away from the public eye. The wedding was officiated in a subsequent meeting with their wedding planner, and the couple shared heartfelt reflections on their day, emphasizing the emotional moments, including speeches from family. John's public coming out in 2023 aimed to destigmatize homosexuality in rugby, which he described as liberating and essential for encouraging acceptance.