Richie McCaw back in the game – fans erupt as All Blacks legend takes on coaching role

Sunday, 06 July 2025 at 23:28

byRugby Rucker

All Blacks legend Richie McCaw has been spotted back where fans love to see him — on a rugby pitch.

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner, who hung up his boots in 2015 to become a commercial helicopter pilot, recently made a surprise return to coaching in Japan, teaming up with none other than fellow Kiwi great Dan Carter.

Posting to Instagram, McCaw said:

"Back in Tokyo last week. Enjoyed watching the Māori All Blacks in action and coaching some school kids with @dancarter_"

The 148-cap All Black has undergone a major body transformation since stepping away from the game — shedding more than 23kg thanks to a passion for long-distance cycling and hiking.

Now, McCaw and wife Gemma — a former Black Sticks hockey star — are turning the page on a new chapter, announcing they’re leaving Christchurch behind for the scenic southern town of Wānaka.

The McCaws, who tied the knot in Wānaka back in 2017 under what was described as "Trump-level security", are now heading back — this time with their three daughters in tow.

Last year, the couple lodged plans to build in nearby Hawea Flat, though it’s unclear if they’ll be settling there or in another local property.

They won’t be short on famous neighbours either. McCaw will be joining former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, who also owns property in Wānaka, while current and former stars like Ben Smith and Damian McKenzie are known to have homes in the area.

Since calling time on his glittering playing career, McCaw has blended flying helicopters with international speaking gigs, rugby events, and business ventures — all while embracing the outdoors.

Gemma shared an emotional farewell to Christchurch on social media, writing:

Artist's impression of Richie and Gemma McCaws new house at Hawea Flat. Image: NZ Herald

"For the past 10 years, this city has been my home. It’s where we welcomed our three beautiful girls into the world, and where I arrived knowing only a handful of people and now leave with lifelong friends."

"We are very excited about this move down south and a lifestyle full of adventure that awaits."

"It’s everything we’ve dreamed of for raising our girls, and we can’t wait to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world."

“Test dreams in tatters” – 5 Lions flops who’ve fallen flat on tour

Four matches in, and the Lions tour is already separating the contenders from the pretenders. While some players are pushing hard for a place in the Test XV, others have gone missing when it mattered most.

Whether it’s rust, nerves, or just being outplayed, these five Lions have done themselves no favours – and could be heading home with regret.

Fin Smith – Under pressure, underwhelming

All eyes were on Fin Smith to make a statement with Owen Farrell still looming over the fly-half conversation. But instead of stepping up, he produced a performance that did little to settle nerves.

Smith failed to make a major impression in the tour opener against Argentina, looking tentative and overly conservative in key moments.

Things didn’t improve much in his second outing against the Waratahs, where he tried to force the issue in the second half—only for the mistakes to pile up and the game to slip further away from him.

? Test chances: Fading fast. He’s no longer a clear bench option, and others are circling.

Hugo Keenan – Off the boil

After being made to wait for his chance, Keenan finally got his shot against the Waratahs—and it couldn’t have gone much worse.

He opened with a dropped ball under little pressure and followed it with a missed tackle that directly led to a try. Normally so composed and reliable, Keenan looked rattled from the off and never quite found his rhythm or influence on the game.

? Test chances: This was a golden opportunity to nail down a claim. He let it slip through his fingers—literally.

Pierre Schoeman – Scrummaged into trouble

The Lions scrum was meant to be a weapon—but against the Force, it was anything but. Schoeman struggled to hold his ground and was part of a front row that got manhandled far too often.

With Ellis Genge putting in a dominant shift last week, Schoeman’s underwhelming showing couldn’t have come at a worse time. The raw power and aggression he’s known for were notably absent.

? Test chances: He’s still in the mix, but firmly behind the frontrunners now.

Tom Curry – A shadow of his best

This tour was supposed to be Curry’s return to dominance, but so far he’s looked anything but. Against Argentina in the opener and again versus the Reds, Curry seemed a step behind play.

His trademark defensive tenacity was muted, and while he rallied late on with a few solid tackles, the damage was already done. His lack of synergy with the back row around him was noticeable—and concerning.

? Test chances: Still respected, but form has to match reputation. Right now, it doesn’t.

Duhan van der Merwe – Rusty and out of rhythm

The big winger has been one of the Lions’ most electric weapons in recent years, but injuries have clearly disrupted his build-up.

He’s looked off the pace, lacking sharpness both with ball in hand and in defensive positioning. Meanwhile, James Lowe has seized every chance to impress. Duhan’s physicality remains a threat, but his edge seems dulled for now.

? Test chances: Slipping away quickly. Needs a statement game—and soon.

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