One of the greatest ever to play the game has called time on a glittering career.
Richie McCaw officially brought to an end his 15 year career in an emotional press conference at New Zealand Rugby HQ.
The 34-year-old flanker captained the All Blacks to their second consecutive Rugby World Cup last month and most expected him to retire then but the decision was made official on Wednesday evening.
McCaw, who captained his country on a record 109 occasions, took to Facebook to announce his decision before meeting the media.
“Today, I thought about whether it was the right thing to do this,” said McCaw. “But I’m going to be hanging up my boots.”
A moment of silence was observed before McCaw spoke to honour the passing of Jonah Lomu yesterday and McCaw paid tribute to his former teammate in a heartfelt speech.
“My thoughts and condolences go to his wife and two boys,” McCaw said.
“When I became an All Black he was in the team. To play with him was amazing. I remember one of my first games, I climbed off the bus and the mob came towards me and I thought ‘this is pretty cool, being an All Black’ but they kept going because they only wanted to be near to Jonah.
“There are a lot of people round the world hurting at the loss of a great man.”
