Richie McCaw, the renowned All Blacks icon, suffered a nasty injury after he joined a cycling team for a remarkable challenge.
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Funnily, his team for the challenge goes by the name ‘4 Chumps and a Champ’, which clearly related to his back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015.
They were participating in the 5 Passes Tour, a four-day cycling expedition meticulously supported by a team of over 20 crew members dedicated to fulfilling every need.
The journey commenced in Christchurch on the east coast of the South Island, leading through the Alpine Village of Hanmer Springs.
The route included traversing Lewis Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast before circling back to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass and Porter’s Pass.
The tour delivered breathtaking scenery, and the opportunity to soak in these vistas while cycling in a safe and fully-supported environment is truly invaluable!
GRUESOME INJURY:
Despite completing the gruelling ride, the former All Blacks captain did suffer a nasty injury while away.
His wife posted on Instagram: “I’m on wound cleaning after a nasty fall,”
She then added: “And trying to diagnose a broken rib.”
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Greatest rugby union XV of all-time:
15. Serge Blanco (France)
The French icon’s international career with France saw the flamboyant fullback perform various outlandish levels of skill while winning Five Nation Grand Slams in 1981 and 1987 as well as four further titles.
Blanco was a threat from everywhere on the field and often took risks that we very rarely see nowadays. In total, he won 93 caps for France during his 11-year international career between 1980 and 1991, which was a record when he retired.
He also scored an imposing 233 points and is a true legend of the sport.
Did you know: Images of Blanco’s on-field heroics can always be viewed ironically alongside images of him strutting along the touchline nursing a cigarette.
Honourable mentions: JPR Williams (Wales), Jason Robinson (England), Percy Montgomery (South Africa)
14. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
The New Zealander remains the joint all-time top try scorer at the Rugby World Cup along with Bryan Habana, crossing the whitewash on 15 different occasions across the 1995 and 1999 tournaments.
The easiest selection in a greatest ever XV.
Originally of Tongan descent, it was Lomu who made it glamorous to be a big, bruising winger, even though his stature could have easily seen him fill in at centre or somewhere in the pack.
Much like the Juggernaut of the Marvel Universe, there wasn’t much that could stop Lomu once he’d gotten into a stride.
Did you know: In September 2009, Lomu took part in an amateur bodybuilding contest, finishing second in two categories
Honourable mentions: Bryan Habana (South Africa), Doug Howlett (New Zealand), Shane Williams (Wales)
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
The former Ireland and British and Irish Lions Skipper Brian O’Driscoll was one of the most consistent performers in the world for over a decade.
He hung up his boots in 2014 after accumulating 133 caps for Ireland with a fantastic return of 245 points. In the emerald green, he triumphed in the Six Nations in 2009 (Grand Slam) and 2014 as well as being chosen as Player of the Tournament in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
The Dublin-born is also the highest all-time Irish record try scorer with an incredible 46 scores, and also led his country more times than any other player.
Did you know: O’Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 RBS Six Nations Championships.
Honourable mentions: Jeremy Guscott (England), Will Greenwood (England), Frank Bunce (New Zealand)