All Blacks legend Richie McCaw has returned to a New Zealand military base, sharing new photographs from inside an Air Force helicopter.
The former New Zealand captain, who won 148 caps and lifted two Rugby World Cups, visited RNZAF Base Ōhakea in September.
McCaw, 45, has held an honorary position in the Royal New Zealand Air Force for more than 15 years.
His latest visit saw him take to the skies in an NH90 military helicopter before addressing senior Air Force leaders.
Richie McCaw shares military helicopter photos
McCaw gave fans a glimpse of his visit in an Instagram post on September 25.
The 2015 World Cup winner shared photographs alongside military personnel, including one taken inside the cockpit of an NH90 helicopter.
He wrote: "Great to be back at Ōhakea Air Base and have the opportunity to fly in the NH90 helicopter."
McCaw added that it had been a privilege to speak at a dinner attended by the Air Force's senior leadership team.
The post attracted thousands of likes, with supporters delighted to see the former All Blacks skipper back in the air.
[EMBED: Richie McCaw's Instagram post – September 25, 2026]
Richie McCaw holds senior military rank
What some fans may not realise is that McCaw holds the honorary rank of Wing Commander in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
He was appointed an honorary Squadron Leader in 2009, while still captaining the All Blacks.
Following his retirement from rugby in 2015, McCaw was promoted to honorary Wing Commander in 2016.
The appointment recognised his leadership and longstanding connection with aviation.
His rank is honorary, meaning he is not a full-time serving military officer.
McCaw is not the only rugby legend to have a military connection. Former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh, with the approval of King Charles III.
Flying runs in the family
McCaw's passion for aviation began long before he became one of rugby's greatest players.
His grandfather, Jim McCaw, served as a fighter pilot during the Second World War and helped inspire his interest in flying.
As detailed by the Otago Daily Times, aviation has long been part of the McCaw family story.
McCaw went on to become a qualified helicopter pilot while still playing professional rugby.
After hanging up his boots, he turned that passion into a career, becoming involved with Christchurch-based helicopter company Christchurch Helicopters.
The former flanker has also embraced endurance sport, taking part in demanding adventure races and other physical challenges since retirement.
Almost 11 years after his final All Blacks appearance, McCaw continues to lead a busy life away from rugby.
And judging by his latest photographs, his love of flying shows no signs of slowing down.
Richie McCaw: Five things you might not know
1. He rarely lost: McCaw won 131 of his 148 Tests for New Zealand. That's an astonishing 88.5% win rate. Losing simply wasn't his thing.
2. He turned down a knighthood: McCaw declined the honour after winning the 2011 Rugby World Cup, feeling he was too young. He later received New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand.
3. Rugby wasn't his only talent: A keen glider pilot from his teenage years, McCaw went on to become a commercial helicopter pilot after retiring.
4. He's an endurance machine: Retirement hasn't meant putting his feet up. McCaw has tackled brutal adventure races, including the Coast to Coast, swapping tackles for mountains and marathon efforts.
5. He's got rugby royalty at home: McCaw married former Black Sticks hockey captain Gemma Flynn in 2017. The sporting couple have three daughters.
