New Zealand rugby captain Richie McCaw retires

Richie McCaw, the captain of New Zealand’s national rugby team, has retired.

Richie McCaw, the captain of New Zealand’s national rugby team, has retired from the sport.

Earlier this month, McCaw captained the All Blacks to their second consecutive Rugby World Cup victory, as New Zealand became the first country to win back-to-back tournaments and the first to win three Cups.

McCaw, 34, began his pro career in 2001 with the Crusaders of Super Rugby and made his senior international debut that same year. 

“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 said in a statement.

McCaw called winning this year’s World Cup that proudest moment of his long career. 

Several of McCaw’s rivals paid tribute to him after his announcement. 

The defining Richie McCaw moment. Doing ANYTHING possible to help his team win. Via @Rugbydump #Respect pic.twitter.com/a3SfQWyFhm

— USA Sevens Rugby (@USASevensRugby) November 19, 2015

Best wishes to @AllBlacks Richie McCaw on his retirement. It all started in Dublin in 2001. #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/N89S0clNAZ

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 19, 2015

Congratulations to @AllBlacks captain Richie McCaw on an amazing career. One of the greats! pic.twitter.com/FSVkaiYZMC

— Wallabies (@wallabies) November 18, 2015

Congratulations to Richie McCaw on a stellar career. "The best ever" - JdV. @AllBlacks https://t.co/ise2NV3JWS pic.twitter.com/5EpNY3Lyhv

— Springboks (@Springboks) November 19, 2015

Congrats to @AllBlacks captain Richie McCaw on an incredible career. Enjoy your retirement! #Legend pic.twitter.com/gefZ3EeUsK

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 19, 2015

McCaw was New Zealand’s Player of the Year four times and was named New Zealand’s Sportsman of the Year after leading the All Blacks to a Rugby World Cup title on home soil in 2011. 

- Dan Gartland