McCaw played a world-record 148 Tests, 131 of them wins.
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He said news of superstar winger’s passing came as a shock.
At the press conference to announce McCaw’s retirement, those in attendance held a minute’s silence for the 40-year-old who died of cardiac arrest on Wednesday 18 November.
After leading his New Zealand side to Rugby World Cup glory last month, Richie McCaw has announced his retirement from all forms of rugby.
“I guess I made it no secret at the start of the year that this was probable (that he might retire)”.
Tournament favourites New Zealand were eliminated by France at the 2007 World Cup quarter-final stage but McCaw remained as captain and helped them end their 24-year wait for rugby’s biggest prize on home soil four years later. “I’m excited with what’s in the future”.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen added: “On behalf of the All Blacks, we want to congratulate Richie on everything he has achieved in his career”.
Former Australia flanker Phil Waugh, one of Mccaw’s fiercest rivals on the edge of the scrum, said: “He’s the best rugby player of all time”, Waugh told Fox Sports.
“I know it will never replace the thrill of running out in front of 80,000 … but it’s not far short”, he said.
“I wanted to make it about the team and not the individuals and make sure I’ve made the right decision”.
“I’ve also been really fortunate to have had some great coaches and played with some outstanding players over the years, from my teenage years through to Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks”.
“That last game, to have that as the lasting memory of the last time on the pitch – pretty satisfying”, said McCaw. His 110-match captaincy is also a record.
Although the debate over whether McCaw was the greatest player the game has ever seen is destined to rage on, very few can claim to have performed at such a high level for so long.
He will now take on a career as a commercial pilot after an incredible time on the pitch becoming the sport’s most successful captain of all time.
148: The amount of times McCaw played for the All Blacks.
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Although his team lost to the Springboks in the final, Lomu scored seven tries and his physical presence on the field overwhelmed most opposition.
