adminWELLINGTON. — Inspirational double Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw announced his immediate retirement yesterday after a record 148 Tests, with a new career beckoning as a commercial helicopter pilot. “I’m going to be hanging up my boots, the end of my rugby days,” the 34-year-old said after opening his press conference with a minute’s silence for All Black legend Jonah Lomu, who died on Wednesday.
McCaw, a three-time World Rugby player of the year, last month became the only captain to ever claim back-to-back World Cups, capping a career that has seen him anointed as one of the game’s greats. McCaw said the time felt right to retire after the 34-17 win over Australia in the tournament decider at Twickenham.
“That last game, to have that as the lasting memory of the last time on the pitch — pretty satisfying,” he said. During a 15-year career, McCaw earned an unprecedented 148 Test caps, a feat made all the more impressive because he did it in the gruelling role of flanker. New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew said McCaw was the best player he had ever signed.
“Richie’s been the most influential player of his generation, if not of all time,” Tew said. — AFP.
Online Reporter