Richie McCaw says it’s likely he’ll retire after this year’s Rugby World Cup, but it’s not a done deal yet.
The 34-year-old All Blacks captain told media at Crusaders training on Thursday that he won’t chase overseas cash after the 2015 World Cup, unlike several of his experienced All Blacks colleagues.
McCaw wouldn’t confirm he would retire after the World Cup, but told media there was every chance that would happen, the NZ Rugby website says.
“Honestly, I haven’t made any final decisions but probably the likelihood is I’m not going to be playing next year. But I don’t want to be getting carried away now talking about those sorts of things when I am focusing about playing,” he said.
“I want to really enjoy this year but, as I say, that’s the likelihood and I don’t want to make any big announcements because I don’t think that would be right going into a season.”
McCaw said he wasn’t worried about forgoing a lucrative overseas deal, saying he had to ask himself why he was playing.
“I’ve always said that if I was enjoying it and wanted to carry on playing then I would play here.
“If I’m not enjoying it and decide I’ve got to go off just play to earn some cash I think that would be pretty tough.”
Veteran All Blacks Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu and Dan Carter have already signed deals to play overseas.
Pinetree
Guest
That's gold Taylorman :)
taylorman
Roar Guru
McCaw never plays 'Toulouse'... ;-)
Pinetree
Guest
This article reckons that McCaw says he will finish his career in NZ next year in front of his home crowd.http://www.superxv.com/m/item.asp?id=45527
Old Bugger
Guest
Fingers x-Ed mate......it would be fitting to have that chance even if he runs on with a few minutes to go. Btw,I'm sure the suits can arrange something.....it's the media that worries me cos the cantabs faithful would go for it.
Buzzard
Guest
He should be given the job as President of the IRB. Maybe NZ PM? Actually he's owned Australia throughout his career and Australian politics is a joke maybe Australia's PM!!!
WQ
Guest
I suspect that's probably the issue OJ
RobC
Roar Guru
Good for him. Dictating terms.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Wouldn't he have to go through another Super Rugby season to achieve that?
WQ
Guest
Kane, I posted about this last year, I really do hope the All Blacks win the RWC2015 as another parade in front of thousands of Kiwi's as it is toured around New Zealand upon return, would be a fitting farewell. If they do not, then I hope he plays on into the following year so that he can retire in front of his own fan base. The very last thing I want to see is him playing his last Test in front of a predominantly English crowd booing and abusing him!!
Targa
Guest
It shows how amazing McCaw is that more than 1 billion Chinese are celebrating him this year: 2015 - the year of the GOAT. Chuck Norris - a poor man's McCaw
DC-NZ
Guest
Sam Cane is ready, and will be a star. Thanks Richie, for helping us squeak some wins we shouldn't have notched up - Ellis Park 2010, and when he may just have left the scrum a little early in Sydney that year and dotted over.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
I think he will be quickly replaced as a player as NZ already have quality backrowers on the bench but his leadership, influence on the ref and other teams will be missed. Will be a strange day when DC, McCaw and Conrad are no longer around. I see the AB playing at an even faster pace without them so am not sure its good news for us!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Thank f***!
Shop
Roar Guru
He could play for Toulouse, they wear red and black.
richard
Guest
Will be the single biggest retirement in NZ rugby since Colin Meads retired.The AB with the biggest influence in the modern era,which is some achievement. Best of luck,and when it comes,enjoy your retirement.You have earnt it.
mania
Guest
wow, this would mark the end of what has been over a decade of golden years for NZ rugby. mccaw is an all time great and i imagine opposing teams will give a big sigh of relief when richies gone. when i was younger i thought cullen was the best ever and no one would ever come along better. who possibly could be faster, stronger and more dynamic than cullen? so happy to be wrong and have the privilege of watching mccaw play. he's as relentless as the tide
Kane
Guest
If he were to win the WC I'd imagine he'd play the June tests next year with the third being played in Christchuch. Will allow him to retire in front of his home crowd and most likely reach 100 test wins as cat and 150 tests played. Just my prediction :)
Gilbert
Guest
A colossus of the game. He's already wealthy from his business dealings, and can still earn more after rugby. Would be awesome to see him lifting WE trophy again before bowing out.
taylorman
Roar Guru
for us purists I'd hate to see a player of McCaws stature finishing his career at the bottom of some ruck in the back blocks of some foreign speaking country wearing a jersey of mixed colours so unfamiliar to those that defined his career...red and black, or just black. For the man himself he can do whatever he wants. If he wants to mix and travel, earn bucks more than he ever has here for something he loves doing, good on him. For every player the game is simply not the same when you stop playing and he will have to face that day like everyone else. He will also be 'unemployed' other than his business interests so what his contribution is post player mode will be interesting. No one defines the AB mantra of never owning the AB Jersey, but making sure you leave it in a better state than when you first put it on better than McCaw. For kiwis to see him lifting the Webb Ellis at Twickers this year would be the ultimate, and in some ways it almost feels inevitable.
pick & go..!!
Guest
When these legends McCaw, DC, Smith etc do retire or go overseas. The pressure on the next generation in NZ rugby to fill there shoes will be unimaginable. Much like the players in the golden era of the Wallabies Eales, Larkham, Horan etc when they retired the Wallabies have never been the same. I hope that when McCaw does retire that the gap between the ABs & the rest of the world (especially the Wallabies) is a little closer. :)