Former New Zealand rugby icon Richie McCaw has transitioned into a dynamic post-retirement life, embracing thrilling pursuits beyond the field.
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Now immersed in the realm of firefighting piloting and conquering challenging 180-mile cycling adventures, McCaw has undergone a remarkable physical transformation, shedding over three stone, from 107 kg to a leaner 87 kg.
Renowned for his illustrious 148-cap career as a flanker, McCaw stands tall among rugby’s finest. His legacy includes clinching two Rugby World Cup victories and securing three prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year accolades before bidding adieu to the sport at 34.
McCaw’s post-retirement journey has seen him gravitate towards the skies, embracing his family’s aviation heritage as a full-time helicopter pilot.
With a lineage deeply rooted in aviation—his father’s expertise in fixed-wing aircraft and his uncles’ passion for gliding—McCaw’s affinity for flight was inevitable.
In an interview with 98fm, the former All Blacks skipper disclosed his transition to the cockpit, relishing the thrill of navigating helicopters as a commercial pilot.
He said: “I really have taken a full step back from it and actually I’m pretty much full-time flying helicopters as a commercial pilot now.
“So that’s now my new day to day gig and it’s a lot of fun.”
Sharing glimpses of his adventurous endeavours, McCaw recently treated his audience to a rare snapshot from his airborne workplace, captioning the moment with a simple yet expressive “Great day for it 😎”.
Amazing body transformations of 6 rugby stars, including McCaw and Pocock
These rugby players have enjoyed a remarkable body transformation over the years, with some bulking up while others seriously slimmed down.
RICHIE MCCAW
The All Blacks legendary captain has revealed he’s dropped 17kg since retiring, shifting what he called ‘unnecessary rugby muscle’.
Since hanging up his boots following their 2015 World Cup triumph, McCaw has become obsessed with ultra-hardcore marathons and has shifted a lot of that weight to give him a speed advantage.
The 41-year-old, who weighed 107 kg, is now closer to 90kg since dropping the weight.
DAVID POCOCK
The Wallabies legend started out as an skinny 78kg teen who worked day in and day out to transform himself, with his size and strength came at a cost, Pocock told Australian Story.
