"Energy is off the charts" - First openly gay All Black becomes a Dad

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 at 22:29

byRugby Rucker

Former All Black prop Campbell Johnstone — who made history in 2023 as the first All Black to come out as gay — has entered a brand-new chapter of his life: fatherhood, marriage, and a giant, slobbering new addition to the family.

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Johnstone, who represented New Zealand in 2005, tied the knot earlier this year with longtime partner Ben Thomson in a spectacular ceremony on the South Island.

The pair said “I do” at The Flaxmill in Oxford, near Christchurch, arriving in style — literally — by helicopter piloted by none other than Richie McCaw. (Only in New Zealand could a rugby legend double as your wedding chauffeur.)

The couple, who first got engaged in 2023, had already shared a private mountaintop ceremony the previous October before celebrating in front of friends and family in January 2025.

Guests were even given a vote on which surname the newlyweds should take — and Team Johnstone won by popular demand.

Now, the happy pair have added a four-legged family member into the mix: Bruce, a striking Great Dane puppy who’s quickly become the boss of the household.

You’ll find him on Instagram as @sirbrucethedane, where he’s already gathering a following with his oversized paws and larger-than-life personality.“Bruce’s energy is off the charts,” laughs one of their friends. “He’s basically training them — not the other way around.”

It’s a heart-warming twist for the former prop, whose honesty and openness helped change rugby for good. When Johnstone came out publicly in early 2023, he spoke about wanting to “take the pressure off others” who might be struggling with their identity in sport.

Since then, he’s been praised for helping to “rekindle people’s love for rugby” — proving that strength and authenticity can absolutely go hand in hand.

Now, between wedding bliss, sleepless nights with a mischievous pup, and what looks like a growing family on the horizon, Campbell Johnstone is enjoying life in full colour.

bright.

And if Bruce’s Instagram feed is anything to go by, this team’s future is looking pawsitively

Wealthiest Rugby Couples in 2025 (Ranked 10-1)

From business ventures and endorsements to philanthropy and royal connections, these power couples exemplify success in every arena.

Here’s a look at the top 10 wealthiest rugby couples in 2025, ranked from the humblest fortunes to the largest bank accounts.

Wealthiest Rugby Couples:

10. David Pocock & Emma Palandri – £1.5 million

Former Australian rugby star David Pocock and his wife, Emma Palandri, have diversified their wealth through post-rugby careers. Pocock is now an Australian senator, while Palandri co-founded social enterprise projects focusing on sustainable development.

9. Nigel Owens & Barrie Jones-Davies – £2 million

Nigel Owens, Welsh former rugby referee, is a motivational speaker, commentator, and farmer. Together with his partner, Barrie Jones-Davies, they’ve cultivated a modest fortune built on Owens’ post-rugby ventures.

8. Owen Farrell & Georgie Farrell – £3 million

England captain Owen Farrell and his wife, Georgie Farrell, an events manager, have accumulated a solid fortune through rugby salaries and personal business ventures.

7. Bryan Habana & Janine Viljoen – £8 million

South African rugby legend Bryan Habana and entrepreneur Janine Viljoen have grown their wealth through sports, media appearances, and business initiatives.

From business ventures and endorsements to philanthropy and royal connections, these power couples exemplify success in every arena.

6. Siya & Rachel Kolisi – £10 million

World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi and Rachel Kolisi, co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, are currently navigating a divorce. Their combined wealth stems from rugby, endorsements, and philanthropic ventures that uplift underprivileged communities.

5. Dan & Honor Carter – £12 million

All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter, three-time World Rugby Player of the Year, and his wife, Honor Carter, former Black Ferns hockey player, have built a fortune through rugby and business ventures.

4. Richie & Gemma McCaw – £15 million

Two-time Rugby World Cup champion Richie McCaw and his wife Gemma McCaw, former Black Sticks hockey player, have amassed wealth through sports, endorsements, and philanthropic work.

3. Jonny Wilkinson & Shelley Jenkins – £20 million

England hero Jonny Wilkinson and his wife Shelley Jenkins have grown their fortune post-retirement through media appearances, business ventures, and strategic endorsements.

2. Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – £22 million

Versatile athlete Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Williams, former model and businesswoman, have diversified wealth from rugby, rugby league, boxing, and endorsements.

1. Mike & Zara Tindall – £25 million

Mike Tindall, former England captain, and Zara Tindall, Olympic equestrian and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, top the list. Mike enjoys a successful media career, while Zara remains active in equestrian sports and business, making them rugby’s wealthiest power couple.

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