Richie as PM? John Key serious about getting McCaw into politics

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 15: New Zealand Prime Minister John Key talks with Richie McCaw in the dressing room following The Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All B

It might not be too long until we can call the All Blacks captain Sir Richie McCaw.

Prime Minister John Key has this morning confirmed the record-breaking loose forward will receive another offer of a knighthood.

McCaw previously turned down the chance after the world cup win of four years ago but Mr Key told TV3's Paul Henry Show he would get another offer.

"Whether he would take one, I don't know. The offer was there before and I can't imagine anything has changed."

Mr Key also noted the "Richie for prime minister" banner at Eden Park the other night and said: "I thought, well, not a bad option really".

"He has got a massive brand and you think how successful Colin Meads is now and Richie is at the starting point of that.

"He's articulate, he's an intelligent guy, there's a range of things he could do. I don't know if politics is one of those options. He has a lot of business interests and I'd think he'd pursue one of those."

Later on TV1's Breakfast, Mr Key said, in his opinion, McCaw was the greatest ever All Black.

"As an athlete, you've got to say this guy is a freak."

McCaw is now the most capped rugby international, with 142 test appearances.
The upcoming world cup defence will be his All Blacks farewell.

The Key-McCaw bromance

Chatting with the big man: Key and McCaw in 2009. Photo / NZPA

McCaw and Key at the 2012 Steinlager Rugby Awards.

Selfies: Key and McCaw after the New Zealand v Argentina rugby test in Napier last year. Photo / Supplied

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 15: New Zealand Prime Minister John Key talks with Richie McCaw in the dressing room following The Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All B

New Zealand sporting knighthoods

Athletics
Murray Halberg
John Walker
Peter Snell

Cricket
Richard Hadlee

Equestrian
Mark Todd

Golf
Bob Charles

Mountaineering
Edmund Hillary

Netball
Lois Muir

Rowing:
Donald Rowlands

Rugby
Wilson Whineray
Brian Lochore
Colin Meads
Fred Allen
John Graham
Graham Henry
John Kirwan

Squash
Susan Devoy

Yachting
Russell Coutts
Naomi James
Peter Blake