Succession plans in place after inspirational leaders retire

Brendon McCullum at the press conference announcing his retirement. Photo / Getty

The Macs have gone, or in one case, going, but New Zealand's rugby and cricket bosses have a succession plan in place for the country's two premier sports.

Richie McCaw's departure after winning a second Rugby World Cup was widely anticipated; Brendon McCullum's farewell to international cricket is a few weeks away.

But ditto, his test retirement after the second Australian match in Christchurch in mid-February had been flagged for a while.

Stepping away from all limited-overs internationals was a slight surprise. There had been a thought he might carry on a while in the shorter forms. But body and mind are roaring enough.

In McCaw's case, No 8 Kieran Read has long been earmarked as the new leader. The only issue over him is the problems he's had with concussion.

However, ifs and buts can't come into that decision. Bridges get crossed as and when needed.

An outsider if problems arise with Read? The new No 7, Sam Cane. He's already captained the All Blacks at the World Cup, has the support of the coaching panel and looks the man in waiting further down the line.

Kane Williamson will be McCullum's replacement, barring any desire to keep his focus on his batting, at which he sits top of the test world. He's already confirmed to lead the team to the world T20 in India in March.

The only alternatives are wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who appeals more as a lieutenant; opener Tom Latham has his supporters, again further down the line; and senior bowler Tim Southee, although fast bowlers rarely get the captaincy.

So two sports have lost a leader, but seem well placed to carry on, with different personalities at the helm. Both very much set for business as usual.