The thorn in the Wallabies‘ side has today been removed, with news that All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is hangin’ up his boots effective immediately.
The most-capped Test player of all-time, McCaw confirmed his retirement at a press conference in Wellington, just one day after the sudden death of All Black great Jonah Lomu at age 40 (the press observed a minute’s silence for Lomu before McCaw spoke).
“I’m hanging up my boots having accomplished everything I could have ever dreamed about in the game,” the 34-year-old said. “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.” [Couldn’t resist one last knife dig, eh?]
WATCH: Richie McCaw announces his retirement after a 148-Test career with the @AllBlacks: https://t.co/yRYWy6xxTr
— ABC Grandstand (@abcgrandstand) November 18, 2015
The All Blacks are already tipping their hats to McCaw’s illustrious rugby career on social media.
Happy retirement #RichieMcCaw pic.twitter.com/7Vr89B2YaM
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2015
As Richie McCaw says farewell to a remarkable rugby career, here’s a breakdown of his @AllBlacks legacy #GOAT pic.twitter.com/JzGQC6uLfz
— Fox Sports Lab (@FoxSportsLab) November 18, 2015
What’s next for McCaw? Work as a commercial helicopter pilot. Srsly.
“I am heavily involved in the Christchurch Helicopters company, they are great people and I’m excited about the opportunities there,” he said. “Aviation is something I’m passionate about, I’m going to carry on flying and work towards getting my commercial pilot licence.”
