Richie McCaw appears unlikely to make the leap into professional coaching ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, despite the All Blacks legend continuing to have an influence around the New Zealand set-up.
The two-time World Cup-winning captain had been linked with a possible role following the upheaval surrounding the All Blacks coaching position earlier this year.
McCaw's name entered the conversation while New Zealand Rugby searched for Scott Robertson's successor, with Jamie Joseph among those strongly considered before Dave Rennie eventually landed the top job.
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Rennie was officially appointed in March on a deal taking him through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
However, despite McCaw remaining close to the All Blacks environment, a formal move into coaching now appears unlikely.
That should perhaps come as little surprise given the 148-cap former flanker has previously made his feelings about professional coaching very clear.
Speaking about the possibility after retirement, McCaw admitted he believed coaching at the highest level would leave him frustrated.
“I think I'd just get too frustrated,” he said.
“As a player I could get out there and do something about it. But when you are a coach I think you have to have a different way of looking at it.”
McCaw did, however, leave the door open to working with youngsters, saying he would “like to coach young kids one day”.
He has previously explained that teenage rugby appeals to him because of the opportunity to influence players at a formative stage, while admitting professional coaching probably isn't for him.
It means an official place alongside Rennie on the road to Australia 2027 looks increasingly unlikely.
McCaw hasn't disappeared from the All Blacks picture, though.
He has previously been welcomed back into the international environment in an informal capacity, including during the Robertson era, highlighting the value New Zealand continue to place on the experience of one of their greatest-ever players.
What is Richie McCaw doing now?
McCaw's life since hanging up his boots in 2015 has been remarkably different from many retired rugby stars.
Rather than immediately moving into punditry or professional coaching, the former All Blacks captain pursued one of his other great passions – aviation.
McCaw is a qualified helicopter pilot and is currently listed as a pilot by Christchurch Helicopters.
His fascination with flying stretches back to childhood, with his grandfather Jim – who flew more than 300 missions during the Second World War – introducing him to gliding.
McCaw eventually earned his commercial qualifications and worked full-time for Christchurch Helicopters between 2016 and 2019 before balancing flying with his other commitments.
It is about as far removed from packing down against the Springboks as you can get.
Richie McCaw: Wife and family
McCaw is married to former New Zealand hockey international Gemma Flynn.
The sporting power couple announced their engagement in 2016 before marrying in January 2017.
They now have three daughters, with Charlotte born in 2018, Grace arriving in 2021 and Ella Mae in 2023.
Despite McCaw's status as one of New Zealand's most recognisable sporting figures, the family have generally maintained a relatively private life away from rugby.
The family revealed in late 2024 that they were preparing to move to Wānaka after spending around a decade living in Christchurch.
Richie McCaw net worth
Unsurprisingly, there is plenty of interest in McCaw's wealth following a career that made him one of rugby's biggest global stars.
However, there is no verified public figure for Richie McCaw's net worth, meaning online estimates should be treated with considerable caution.
One frequently cited estimate places his fortune at around US$3million, although this has not been confirmed by McCaw or his representatives.
What is known is that McCaw was among the highest-profile rugby players of his generation, combining his All Blacks and Crusaders career with major commercial and endorsement opportunities.
His income since retirement has also included aviation work alongside various commercial, ambassadorial and public-speaking commitments.
Richie McCaw: Incredible weight loss
Perhaps the biggest physical change since McCaw retired has been his dramatic transformation from international rugby forward to endurance athlete.
During his playing days, McCaw was listed at around 107kg, with his powerful frame helping him survive the relentless physical demands of playing openside flanker.
Retirement didn't result in McCaw putting his feet up.
Quite the opposite.
His move into endurance and adventure racing saw his weight reportedly fall to around 87kg – a drop of approximately 20kg, or more than three stone.
The change makes McCaw look noticeably leaner than the player who lifted the Webb Ellis Cup at Twickenham in 2015.
But rather than being the result of stepping away from exercise, the transformation came as McCaw swapped the demands of Test rugby for gruelling endurance events.
Richie McCaw: Extreme new hobbies
McCaw may have retired from professional sport, but his competitive streak certainly didn't disappear.
Adventure racing has become one of his biggest passions.
The former All Blacks skipper has taken part in GODZone, New Zealand's brutal multi-day expedition race involving disciplines including trekking, mountain biking and paddling across huge distances.
One of his challenges covered around 666km and took his team approximately six days to complete.
Cycling, running and other endurance challenges have also become part of McCaw's post-rugby lifestyle.
Combine that with flying helicopters and it's fair to say retirement has hardly been quiet.
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All Blacks Handed NIGHTMARE Route to 2027 Rugby World Cup Final
The All Blacks have been handed a potentially brutal route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup final after being drawn alongside hosts Australia in one of the tournament’s toughest pools.
With the competition expanding to 24 teams and introducing a Round of 16 for the first time, New Zealand can already map out their possible path to the Webb Ellis Cup — and it is packed with danger.
Pool A: A Trans-Tasman Showdown
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A with Australia, creating one of the marquee clashes of the group stage. The All Blacks and Wallabies are expected to battle for top spot, with the pool winner earning a potentially more favourable route through the knockout stages.
Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each pool automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the four best third-placed teams across all pools also advance.
For New Zealand, the objective will be simple: finish first in Pool A.
Round of 16: A Third-Placed Opponent Awaits
If the All Blacks top Pool A, they will face one of the tournament's best third-placed teams in the Round of 16.
Based on the draw, that opponent would come from Pools C, E or F. Possible challengers could include:
On paper, this should represent a manageable first knockout assignment for New Zealand.
Quarter-Final: Potential Clash with South Africa
The bracket reveals the first major obstacle on New Zealand's path.
Should the All Blacks win Pool A and progress through the Round of 16, they are likely to face the winner of Pool B in the quarter-finals. Defending champions South Africa are overwhelming favourites to top that group, which also contains Italy, Georgia and Romania.
That means the Rugby Championship rivals could be set for another World Cup knockout classic, with the Springboks standing between New Zealand and the final four.
Given South Africa's recent dominance and World Cup pedigree, many observers view this as one of the most anticipated potential quarter-finals of the tournament.
Semi-Final: France Looms Large
If New Zealand overcome South Africa, the likely semi-final opponent would emerge from the opposite side of the bracket containing Pool E.
France are strong favourites to win Pool E, which also includes Japan, Samoa and the United States.
Les Bleus are expected to navigate their side of the draw and could set up a blockbuster semi-final against the All Blacks. A meeting between two of world rugby's most talented squads would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the tournament.
Potential Final Opponents
Should New Zealand reach the final, several heavyweight nations could await.
The opposite half of the draw is expected to be led by:
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Argentina
- England
England's route appears favourable if they top Pool F, while Ireland and Scotland will again meet in the pool stage before potentially making deep runs into the knockout rounds.
Argentina, meanwhile, remain one of the dark horses after their impressive performances in recent World Cups.
Predicted Route to the Final
Assuming the major nations win their pools, the All Blacks' most likely pathway would be:
Pool Stage
- Australia
- Other Pool A opponents
Round of 16
- Best third-placed qualifier (from Pools C, E or F)
Quarter-Final
- South Africa (Pool B winner)
Semi-Final
- France (Pool E winner)
Final
- Ireland, England, Scotland or Argentina
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players
From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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