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Richie McCaw retires from rugby

18th November, 2015
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Richie McCaw took All Black rugby to incredible heights. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
18th November, 2015
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All Blacks legend Richie McCaw has announced his retirement from rugby union at the age of 34.

After breaking numerous records, winning back-to-back Rugby World Cups, four Super Rugby competitions, and captaining his province and country, the New Zealand captain will exit the game for good.

McCaw leaves as the most capped international footballer of all time, the most capped captain of all time, the player with the most victories in international rugby, as well as the aforementioned four Super Rugby championships and two Rugby World Cup victories – both as captain.

He was offered a knighthood after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but turned down the honour, saying it was something he wouldn’t consider while he was still playing.

A three-time World Rugby player of the year, McCaw is the first person in rugby history to achieve 100 international caps as captain.

His winning percentage in international rugby is 88.51 per cent, with 131 wins from 148 games.

He is also widely considered to be the greatest player to play the game.

The Rugby World Cup final of 2015, against Australia, will be his final game of rugby, where he and the All Blacks stamped their authority on the tournament, becoming the first team to hoist the trophy twice in a row.

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After the game, McCaw didn’t hint at retirement, but he has today confirmed what has been widely speculated for some time by exiting the game he entered in 1999.

He made his debut for the Crusaders and All Blacks in 2001, and was appointed New Zealand captain in 2006. It’s a position he has held ever since, though he did vacate the Crusaders captaincy to Kieran Read later in his career.

McCaw’s style of play redefined what an openside flanker was expected to do. Equally powerful over the ball and running with it, he was a true all-rounder, capable of playing in the number 6 jersey and jumping in the lineout. Over the years, he developed a linking and passing game which provided many highlights.

A typically humble McCaw paid his respects to the recently departed Jonah Lomu at the beginning of his press conference.

McCaw said that he didn’t retire immediately after the Rugby World Cup final to keep the All Blacks team in focus after their victory. He said he didn’t have any desire to allow an individual overshadow the team’s achievement.

His next move? McCaw revealed he plans to become a commercial helicopter pilot in Christchurch.

McCaw was understated in his recollection of his achievements on the field.

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“I’m going to be hanging up my boots – it’s the end of my rugby days,” he told media in Wellington.

“Deep down I didn’t want it to end.

“I’ve been able to do what I love and that’s what I have done over the past 15 years.

“The last memory is a pretty good one.

“I knew with the World Cup there are no in-betweens. I wanted to make it about the team and not individuals.

“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.”

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said McCaw was going out on top, and at the right time:

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“Richie couldn’t have picked a better time. He went out on his own terms. Well done mate.”

Former Wallaby Phil Waugh paid tribute to McCaw’s wonderful career.

“You can just see the bruises, the scars that he wears,” Waugh, who played for Australia between 2000-09, said on Fox Sports.

“He came onto the scene a pretty fresh-faced young New Zealander and he finishes with such an outstanding record.

“I do think he’s the best rugby player of all time.

“He’s won more trophies and medals than any other player.

“He gets on very well with the referees… that was an art. He’s just a very, very smart player,” said Waugh.

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“Richie just understood the game very well.

“He always knew exactly where the ball was going to be and he would be the first one there.

“Losing Richie, they’ll lose an aura around him and that leadership, which is very difficult to replace.”

Congratulations to Richie McCaw on a wonderful career in rugby.

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