Former professional rugby star Campbell Johnstone is off the market and into happily-ever-after.
The 45-year-old athlete—who made history as the first openly gay All Blacks player—exchanged vows with his partner Ben Thomson in a lavish-yet-intimate ceremony, as revealed in a recent Woman’s Day spread.

A Helicopter Entrance for the Ages
The couple kicked off their wedding day in high style, literally, by landing at The Flaxmill in Oxford, New Zealand in a helicopter flown by none other than Johnstone’s rugby peer Richie McCaw.
“Richie did this really steep loop around the property, and I lost my stomach a bit,” Thomson told Woman’s Day.
“Then he landed, and we got out. Our parents congratulated us, people swarmed to take photos, then the wedding kind of kicked off from there.”
Vows at the Top of the World
While most couples opt for a traditional aisle walk in front of friends and family, Johnstone and Thomson took a different approach.
Before the main celebration, they shared their vows privately in a remote mountain-top ceremony at Castle Hill Station.

“We had a day with just the two of us,” Thomson explained. “It was literally just us, the two photographers, and the videographer on that hill… we didn’t even have a celebrant.”
Johnstone added, “We also thought it should be a moment just for us. That was really special because we just got to enjoy the day together.”
Surprise Reveal for Guests
The newlyweds kept their private vows under wraps until they returned to share a wedding celebration with family and friends.
As the guests watched a video reel of the mountaintop nuptials, many believed it was happening live.

“Nobody knew what was going on,” Johnstone revealed. “Even the groomspeople and our families didn’t know… I think some people thought it was live.”
A Spread of Memories
In the Woman’s Day feature, Johnstone and Thomson delighted readers with photographs capturing their unique celebration.
From a champagne tower to a dessert-laden table, the couple’s flair for fun and detail shone through.
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One sweet snapshot even showed the grooms wearing matching tuxedos and a pendant bearing their initials.
In a playful twist, guests were invited to vote on the couple’s new last name, ultimately sticking with “Johnstone.”
Love and Support Pour In
Since going public with the news, Johnstone’s Instagram feed has been brimming with congratulatory messages.
“Absolutely stunning! Wishing you all the best,” wrote one fan, while another chimed in, “LOVE THIS FOR YOU BOTH. Congratulations!”
A Groundbreaking Romance
Johnstone’s wedding marks another milestone in his trailblazing journey.
Just two years ago, he came out as gay, becoming the first All Blacks player to do so.

Reflecting on his decision, he told Seven Sharp TV: “If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and the stigma… it can actually help other people.”
Now, having tied the knot with Thomson in an unforgettable ceremony, Johnstone has added a new chapter to his story—one that celebrates love, authenticity, and the freedom to chart your own path.
Congratulations to Campbell Johnstone and Ben Thomson on their marriage!
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