All Black great McCaw retires
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has announced his retirement from rugby.
McCaw, the world’s most-capped Test player, told a media conference on Thursday he will hang up his boots just weeks after leading the All Blacks to victory at the Rugby World Cup.
“I’m going to be hanging up my boots – it’s the end of my rugby days,” he told media in Wellington.
The 34-year-old bows out with 148 Test caps, chalking up 131 wins in the process.
His last cap was won in the Rugby World Cup final defeat of Australia at Twickenham when he became the first player to hoist the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time, having led New Zealand to victory in 2011.
Prior to announcing his retirement he paid tribute to former teammate and global superstar Jonah Lomu who died suddenly in Auckland on Wednesday.
“It was a big shock,” he said.
McCaw said Lomu was a legend and his impact was probably felt stronger overseas than in New Zealand.
“He was a great man and a great All Black.”
McCaw said he had taken the time since the final on October 31 to make a decision on his future.
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“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.
He said he would begin working towards gaining his commercial pilot’s licence with Christchurch Helicopters.
McCaw is the sixth All Black great from the triumphant World Cup squad to announce his exit.
Star five-eighth Dan Carter, Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu are leaving for French club contracts while front-rowers Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock have retired.
– AAP
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