McCaw, who captained his country on a record 109 occasions, took to Facebook to announce his decision before meeting the media. “That last game, to have that as the lasting memory of your last time on the pitch is pretty satisfying and I’m also proud that I played a few of my best rugby over the last couple of weeks”. Having watched the ITM and Super Rugby tournaments this year, I am encouraged.
Advertisement
“Like everyone else I watched how he completely altered the game in the 1995 World Cup and was running around and through people for fun”, he stated.
I think Richie is the greatest All Black we’ve ever had. I’d like to thank them too for all they have done for me throughout my career.
We were teammates at Wellington, and before that, in the New Zealand U-21 team.
“His strength and passion were a source of inspiration to us all”, he wrote on Facebook.
The retiring captain said he would work on various business and charity interests, and continue his love of flying with work at Christchurch Helicopters.
“But unfortunately I had to, but that was probably the most emotional I got”.
“That’s going to be my thing going forward, as, first of all becoming a commercial pilot with them and it’s something I’m hugely passionate about”.
“I’m now really excited about starting the next chapter of my life”.
Former South Africa captain Jean de Villiers says the departing Richie McCaw can look back on his rugby career with huge pride after announcing his retirement. He’s been a sounding board for numerous players, coaches, administrators and others involved in this great game of ours.
Hansen told allbacks.com: “On behalf of the All Blacks, we want to congratulate Richie on everything he has achieved in his career”.
“While we grieve for a husband, father, son, brother and good mate, we know that many people in New Zealand and around the world are mourning a very special individual”.
McCaw was voted Newcomer of the Year by the worldwide Rugby Players’ Association in 2002 and was named All Blacks captain for the first time, against Wales in 2004, at the tender age of 23 when regular skipper Tana Umaga was rested.
After the nationwide celebrations of their bows out arguably the sports greatest ever player with a record 148 Tests to his name in a career that’s spanned 14 years from his debut in 2001. You shouldn’t be playing 148 Test matches as a flanker.
Advertisement
“The leader he is now compared with when he started is totally different, but that’s natural”.
