All Blacks trainer finds strength in 'incredible' World Cup win

All Black skipper Richie McCaw shows off the World Cup.

All Blacks strength and conditioning coach Nic Gill described yesterday's rousing parade for the team in Auckland as incredible.

A crowd of about 25,000 people turned out at noon in Victoria Park to welcome home the victorious World Cup team who spent half-an-hour signing autographs, taking photos with fans and shaking hands.

Mr Gill lives in Tauranga with wife Mel and together they own a share in Bethlehem's Aspire Health and Sports centre.

Tauranga's Nic Gill with Mike Anthony strength and condition coach (left) and Kevin Carr All Blacks logistics manager.

He said he was keen to reunite with his family in Tauranga after being away for two months.

"It's massive to be home, I can't wait to see my daughters, it's been a long time away," Mr Gill told the Bay of Plenty Times.

"We went over with a job to do and right now it's awesome to be back. I can't wait to get home and load up the barbecue and enjoy a Kiwi summer."

Thousands welcome the All Blacks home in Auckland

Reflecting back on the final whistle that secured the All Blacks as back-to-back rugby world champions, Mr Gill described the moment as "emotional".

He said winning the Rugby World Cup was "something you could never forget".

"I don't know why but for me it felt more incredible than 2011. It was pretty emotional, there was so much work and so much sacrifice ... and to finally achieve the goal was pretty cool - it was something you could never forget."

To retain the title as Rugby World Cup champions, and being the first team ever to do so, was a massive achievement.

Mr Gill said it was incredibly hard work but also "incredibly enjoyable" at the same time.

"It was such an exciting time, because we knew what we were capable of. It was just a matter of if we could get it right on the night," he said.

The next couple of days will be a whirlwind of cheers as the team make their way down the country for their victory parades.

Today will be Christchurch's turn to celebrate the All Blacks and the Webb Ellis Cup before their final hurrah in Wellington on Friday.

Mr Gill said Friday lunchtime would be the last time the team would be together with six veteran players hanging up their black jerseys; Tony Woodcock, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu.

"It's quite a sad time as well as an exciting time. We've been through a lot and to say goodbye to a lot of good men and a lot of good friends adds more emotion to a big achievement," he said.

As for the future, Mr Gill said he would be involved with the All Blacks for at least another year but in the meantime he is looking forward to closing a four-year triumphant chapter and enjoying the summer.