Richie McCaw could be brought back into the All Blacks fold ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, more than a decade after walking away from professional rugby.
The legendary former New Zealand captain retired in November 2015, just weeks after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
Unlike many recently retired internationals, McCaw did not immediately move into coaching, punditry or rugby administration.
Instead, the 148-cap flanker largely stepped away from the sport and built an entirely different life away from the weekly pressures of Test rugby.
That is what would make his potential return to the All Blacks environment particularly surprising.
McCaw’s possible All Blacks role
McCaw is reportedly being considered for a leadership and mentoring position as New Zealand continue their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The role would not necessarily involve hands-on coaching. Instead, McCaw could work with the squad’s senior players and leadership group, passing on the experience that helped him captain the All Blacks to consecutive World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.
His appearance around an All Blacks training camp in 2025 initially appeared informal, but it has since increased speculation that New Zealand Rugby would like to make greater use of his knowledge.
McCaw has previously shown little interest in pursuing a traditional coaching career, meaning a specialist mentoring position could provide the perfect route back into international rugby.
What has Richie McCaw done since retiring?
The 45-year-old has kept himself remarkably busy since bringing his playing career to an end.
Helicopter pilot
McCaw became a commercial helicopter pilot and worked full-time for Christchurch Helicopters between 2016 and 2019. He remains involved with the company, where he has held positions as a director and shareholder.
He also used his flying skills during the aftermath of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, helping with rescue, reconnaissance and the delivery of supplies to affected communities.
Adventure racing
McCaw has become heavily involved in endurance and adventure racing, competing in gruelling events involving running, cycling and kayaking across some of New Zealand’s most challenging terrain.
His events have included GODZONE expedition races and the Coast to Coast challenge across the South Island.
In 2025, he helped establish the Pure Adventure Charitable Trust, which was formed to bring the GODZONE race back to the calendar and promote adventure racing in New Zealand.
LATEST RUGBY NEWS
- Springbok captain Siya Kolisi stood down with immediate effect
- Josh Adams delivers as Wales open Nations Championship with Fiji win
- Springboks team to face Scotland: Nations Championship
- Ireland prop stood down with immediate effect
- England XV to play Fiji: Henry Pollock starts
15 things you probably didn’t know about Richie McCaw
More than a decade after retiring, Richie McCaw is still regarded as one of rugby’s greatest-ever players. The former All Blacks captain dominated the sport for over a decade, winning almost every honour available before walking away at the top.
Here are 15 facts about the New Zealand legend.
1. He is the only men’s captain to win two Rugby World Cups
McCaw lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in both 2011 and 2015, cementing his place among rugby’s all-time greats.
2. He grew up on a sheep and cattle farm
Long before becoming an All Blacks icon, McCaw spent his childhood helping on his family’s farm near Kurow in New Zealand’s South Island.
3. He captained New Zealand 110 times
No player has led the All Blacks in more Test matches than McCaw.
4. He is a qualified helicopter pilot
Flying has always been one of McCaw’s biggest passions, and he has even worked as a commercial helicopter pilot since retiring.
5. He won World Rugby Player of the Year three times
McCaw claimed the award in 2006, 2009 and 2010, equalling the record for the most titles.
6. He learned to fly at just nine years old
His grandfather introduced him to gliding, beginning a lifelong love of aviation.
7. He played 148 Tests for the All Blacks
When he retired after the 2015 Rugby World Cup, he was one of the most-capped players in international rugby history.
8. He almost completed a university degree
McCaw studied Agricultural Science at Lincoln University before rugby became his full-time career.
9. He never played professional rugby overseas
Unlike many All Blacks stars, McCaw spent his entire career representing Canterbury, the Crusaders and New Zealand.
10. He’s married to another international athlete
His wife, Gemma Flynn, represented New Zealand in hockey before the pair married in 2017.
11. He scored 27 Test tries
The openside flanker remains one of the highest try-scoring forwards in All Blacks history.
12. He has three daughters
McCaw has kept family life largely out of the spotlight since retiring from rugby.
13. He retired with an 89% Test win rate
Few players have enjoyed a more successful international career, winning almost nine out of every 10 Tests they played.
14. He has never taken up coaching
Despite constant speculation, McCaw has chosen to focus on aviation, business ventures and family life rather than joining a coaching team.
15. He walked away at the very top
McCaw announced his retirement just weeks after captaining the All Blacks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, ending one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.
