Richie McCaw has today confirmed he is hanging up his boots and retiring from professional rugby.
The 34-year-old flanker ended his career as the most capped player (148) and captain (110) in world rugby. He won three World Rugby Player of the Year awards and led the All Blacks to successive World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.
His decision, which was widely anticipated, came the day after the unexpected death of former All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu at the age of 40 had rocked the rugby-mad nation.
"I'm going to be hanging up my boots, the end of my rugby days. My last game for the All Blacks and as a professional rugby player was the World Cup final a couple of weeks ago," McCaw told media in Wellington shortly after midday.
"I sit here today with no regrets over what I have done as a rugby player. I think I played some of my best rugby over those last couple of weeks."
McCaw had done little to play down expectations that he would retire after this year's World Cup, although he never explicitly said he would call it quits.
After the euphoria of winning the 2015 Rugby World Cup final against Australia 34-17 at Twickenham in London earlier this month, he cryptically replied "when you get moments like this, why would you ever call it a day?".
He was not named last month in the Canterbury Super Rugby squad for 2016, but New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Crusaders said there was space for him if he chose to play on.
"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," McCaw told reporters at.
"Professional rugby has been great to me. It's allowed me to pursue my passion, to be involved with great people, hopefully make those close to me proud and travel the world.
"I've had some wonderful experiences for which I'm very grateful and I'd like to thank New Zealand Rugby for the opportunities they have given me.
"I'd also like to thank the fans who have supported me, both here and overseas. Your unwavering and passionate support for myself and the other players has always given us a huge lift, wherever we have played. We play the game to make you proud and I hope I have managed to do that over the years."
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said he thought the last game in the World Cup final was one of the best he played.
"Like everybody, you have to pick the right time to go and he couldn't have picked a better time. He has been a terrific player and leader and probably the greatest we have had."
What's next for McCaw
McCaw, who will be 35 on December 31, said his immediate plan was to start work as a commercial helicopter pilot in Christchurch. He would also concentrate on business, personal sponsorship and charity interests.
"I am heavily involved in the Christchurch Helicopters company, they are great people and I'm excited about the opportunities there. Aviation is something I'm passionate about, I'm going to carry on flying and work towards getting my commercial pilot licence.
"The iSport Foundation charity, which I set up with Dan Carter and Ali Williams, also gives us the opportunity to help talented teenagers reach their potential in their chosen sport, which is a cool way for us to give back.
"I'm excited with what's in the future. I have enjoyed my time as a rugby player but I am looking forward to what's coming. I guess it's the end of a chapter and the start of a new one. But it has been a hell of a ride."
End of an era
Richie McCaw's retirement signals the end of an era in All Blacks rugby with six other players who have helped the side become the most successful in world rugby retiring or heading offshore for lucrative contracts to end their rugby careers.
He joins fellow centurions Keven Mealamu (132) and Tony Woodcock (118) in hanging up their boots, while Daniel Carter (112), Ma'a Nonu (103) and Conrad Smith (94) have also ended their New Zealand careers by joining clubs in France.
Since 2004, when the six players became cemented in the side, the All Blacks have won 137 of their 157 tests, losing 18 and drawing two.
Under current coach Steve Hansen, who took over following the 2011 World Cup, they have won 49 of their 54 matches.
- Reuters and NZ Herald
