Once the captain of the All Blacks, leading them to consecutive World Cup victories and a plethora of other accolades, Richie McCaw now lives a vastly different life.
Despite being widely considered one of rugby’s greatest players, McCaw has shifted his focus to new endeavours, including working as a helicopter pilot and competing in extreme sports like adventure racing.
McCaw comes from a family of aviators — his father flew fixed wings and his uncles were interested in gliding. So for Richie, it was natural that he was intrigued by the art of flying.
He is now one of the chief pilots and has taken on more responsibility at management level — a role that has allowed him to upskill as a pilot, be part of a successful team and to continue to be challenged on a daily basis.
Since 2016, McCw has participated in the gruelling GODZone race multiple times, which is an annual, multi-day expedition-style event in New Zealand where teams trek vast distances.
This race is the largest of its kind in the world and is highly regarded. McCaw and his team came in second place last year, finishing the 666km journey in six days, which highlights the intense nature of these races.
Even though his teammates were heli-evacuated off the GODZone course due to a team member’s ill health, adventure racing has given McCaw a new passion and a way to fill the void left by rugby after retiring in 2015.
His new boss has seen the former rugby flanker completely transform his body.
The 41-year-old, who weighed 107 kg, is now closer to 87kg since dropping the weight.
For context, that’s a weight drop of over three stone.
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Stuart Hogg
After confirming his retirement, Hogg said in a statement: “A new career beckons and I will attack in the same manner as I play the game.”
The Scotland legend has revealed he isn’t too keen on coaching, but will remain in the game as a pundit after making his debut on BBC during the 2023 Six Nations.
PUNDITRY:
Sources tell RUCK that BT Sport (soon to be TNT Sports) are keen. to recruit the fullback as a key part of their 2023/24 Premiership coverage.
RESTAURANT OWNER:
He is the co-owner of steak house Finsbay Flatiron in Glasgow.
The focus for Finsbay Flatiron is steak, specialising in 8oz flat irons (as the name suggests) and steaks from £8 on weekdays and £10 on weekends, as well as sides like mac and cheese and triple cooked chips.
DISTILLERY:
He’s a director of a distillery named Maiden Batch.
Caulker’s is a collaborative effort between five Glasgow men, two of whom happen to be British Lions and Scotland rugby internationals, Hogg and Alastair Kellock. The bottle is signed by all five.
Jack Nowell
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall.
Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere.
He is also a director of MUSTARD Clothing.
