Richie McCaw says he is going out on top. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Richie McCaw says he is going out on top. Photo / Mark Mitchell
• Richie McCaw calls end to 14-year glittering career • He pays emotional tribute to Jonah Lomu • 'I'm hanging up my boots having accomplished everything I could have ever dreamed about in the game' • READ MORE: The McCaw Big Read - Following the leader
Richie McCaw has today confirmedhe is hanging up his boots and retiring from professional rugby.
The 34-year-old All Blacks captain and most capped All Black of all time has drawn the curtain on his stunning international career which started in Dublin 14 years ago, almost to the day, and ended in London last month when he hoisted the Webb Ellis Cup aloft for the second time.
McCaw announced his decision at a media conference at the New Zealand Rugby offices in Wellington today.
"I'm hanging up my boots having accomplished everything I could have ever dreamed about in the game. Knowing that I was able to end my career by helping the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup Final is a hugely satisfying feeling," he said.
"Professional rugby has been great to me. It's allowed me to pursue my passion, to be involved with great people, hopefully make those close to me proud and travel the world. I've had some wonderful experiences for which I'm very grateful and I'd like to thank New Zealand Rugby for the opportunities they have given me."
"I'd also like to thank the fans who have supported me, both here and overseas. Your unwavering and passionate support for myself and the other players has always given us a huge lift, wherever we have played. We play the game to make you proud and I hope I have managed to do that over the years."
McCaw said he would now be concentrating on his business, personal sponsorship and charity interests.
McCaw said the last two weeks had given him a chance to reflect. Photo / Mark Mitchell
"I am heavily involved in the Christchurch Helicopters company, they are great people and I'm excited about the opportunities there. Aviation is something I'm passionate about, I'm going to carry on flying and work towards getting my commercial pilot licence.
"The iSport Foundation charity, which I set up with Dan Carter and Ali Williams, also gives us the opportunity to help talented teenagers reach their potential in their chosen sport, which is a cool way for us to give back.
"I'm now really excited about starting the next chapter of my life. I'm looking forward to the future and what it may hold."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen remembered a young McCaw turning up to the Canterbury academy.
He was good at "pinching the ball" but "couldn't catch, couldn't pass and couldn't run".
"But he had a massive desire to be good," he said.
Photo / Getty Images
McCaw said he'd love to be involved in the game in the future. He never considered taking up a professional contract overseas after his international days were over.
"For whatever reason I've always said if I felt like I could play professional rugby, I want to play here because I love playing here.
"Going to play rugby just because you want to earn a fat cheque, it just didn't spin my wheels."
Hansen remembered seeing McCaw play for the first time in a schoolboy match at Lancaster Park.
He told Steve Tew, then in charge of Canterbury rugby, to sign him.
But he was from Otago and the two unions had an agreement not to poach each other's players. But then Otago stole one and Canterbury swooped.
Hansen said Lomu was probably rugby's first global star.
"I don't think he was our greatest player but I think that was because of his illness, but he was a phenomenal athlete and could do things that others couldn't do," Hansen said.
"It's been a sad year because we have lost Jerry (Collins) and Norm Berryman."
McCaw said he wasn't sure if he should go ahead with today's announcement, given the news about Lomu.
