"Shock return" - Richie McCaw handed key All Blacks role ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

Friday, 12 September 2025 at 07:57

byRugby Rucker

Former All Blacks skipper and double World Cup winner Richie McCaw has been spotted back in camp with New Zealand over the past few days.

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RUCK sources reveal that McCaw is set to stick around with the squad right through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, taking up a role as a mentor for the leadership group.

Now 44, the legendary flanker retired after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2015, finishing with a staggering 148 caps – 131 of them as captain. Since calling it a day, McCaw has noticeably slimmed down, no longer throwing himself into rucks week in, week out.

Reports claim he’s dropped around 20kg (three stone) over the past decade thanks to his love for cardio. Cycling has become his go-to, with McCaw regularly sharing rides on Instagram and often taking part in charity events. Back in April, he completed a ride from Queenstown to Invercargill, raising funds for the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter and Lakes District Air Rescue Trust.

That doesn’t mean he’s left the gym behind. Just 11 weeks ago, McCaw was seen smashing weights. Sharing the session online, he wrote:

"Great weekend with the lads for Matariki with a bit of fitness testing, just for fun ;) Still plenty of competitiveness just under the surface."

Photos showed the All Black great pushing through deadlifts, squats and a mix of cardio work.

Away from rugby, McCaw is a commercial helicopter pilot. What began as a hobby turned into another career – and even saw him perform acts of heroism.

In 2016, just a year into retirement, Kaikoura was rocked by an earthquake. McCaw flew crucial aid, medical supplies and rescue crews into the cut-off South Island town.

"I took the fire crew up just to make sure everyone was OK in the houses and the roads that were stuck there," he said.

His bravery didn’t stop there. On Christmas Day in 2017, McCaw was back in the thick of it, piloting one of five helicopters battling a huge fire in Canterbury. His wife, Gemma Flynn, posted a photo of the family in front of the chopper, captioned:

"Merry Christmas from Mr & Mrs McClaus. Santa was out fighting fires but arrived home in time for tea."

With his leadership, unrivalled experience and legendary status, today’s All Blacks will lean heavily on McCaw’s wisdom as they build towards the Rugby World Cup.

"Myth" - The 20 Most Overrated Rugby Stars of All Time, According to Fans

But here we are. The fans over at TheTopTens have spoken, and they’ve served up a list guaranteed to ruffle feathers. Remember — this is about perception, not just stats. Some of these names are legends. Some are cult heroes. But all of them… apparently a bit too hyped.

So, buckle up. Here are the 20 most overrated rugby players of all time — as voted by the fans.

20. Chris Ashton – Splash, But No Substance?

A prolific finisher and famous for the ‘Ash Splash’, Ashton had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. But critics argue his defensive frailties and lack of versatility made him more highlight reel than complete package.

19. Semi Radradra – Highlights Don’t Win Matches

Radradra is the king of YouTube clips, with dazzling runs and offloads that leave fans breathless. Yet in the XVs game, inconsistency and shaky defence have left some wondering if the hype outshines the reality.

18. Bryan Habana – Quick as Lightning, Hot and Cold

Habana’s pace terrified defenders, and his World Cup-winning legacy is unquestioned. But some argue his domestic performances were patchy, and his reputation often outweighed week-to-week impact.

17. Sam Warburton – Captain Fantastic… Or Just Captain?

As a leader, Warburton was immense and commanded respect across the rugby world. Still, there are those who believe his actual influence at the breakdown never matched the legend of his captaincy.

16. Owen Farrell – Mr. Marmite

Farrell’s leadership, kicking, and competitive edge make him one of the most polarising figures in rugby. For some he’s England’s rock; for others he’s over-praised and lacking the flair of a truly world-class playmaker.

15. Cheslin Kolbe – Small Frame, Big Debate

Kolbe’s footwork and attacking spark have earned him superstar status, and he’s capable of magic from nothing. But detractors point out his defensive weaknesses and question whether his size makes him a liability in tight contests.

14. Paul O’Connell – The Line-Out King

A towering figure for Ireland, O’Connell’s line-out brilliance is undisputed. Still, many suggest his influence in open play was overstated compared to the adulation he received.

13. Schalk Burger – Beast or Liability?

Burger brought unmatched ferocity to every collision, cementing his place as a fan favourite. Yet his disciplinary issues and tendency to give away penalties left critics arguing he sometimes hurt his team more than he helped.

12. Maro Itoje – Hyped to the Rafters

Athletic, charismatic, and marketable, Itoje seems built for superstardom. But some feel he flatters to deceive, dominating moments rather than matches and struggling to live up to the endless hype.

11. James Haskell – More Brand Than Brawn?

A tireless worker with a big personality, Haskell always gave his all on the pitch. That said, many feel his media presence inflated his reputation far beyond his actual technical contribution.

10. Sonny Bill Williams – The Offload Obsession

SBW was box office, dazzling crowds with his offloading game and cross-code appeal. But his flashes of brilliance often masked long stretches of inconsistency, leading critics to call him style over substance.

9. Stuart Hogg – The Flying Scotsman Divides Opinion

Hogg has long been Scotland’s poster boy, lighting up games with his counter-attacking brilliance and eye for the spectacular. But critics argue his defensive frailties and occasional lapses under pressure make him more highlight player than all-round great.

8. George North – The Early Peak

North was unstoppable during his peak years between 2011 and 2013, cementing his place as one of rugby’s brightest young stars. But his decline since then, marked by defensive lapses and stagnation, has divided opinion on his true greatness.

7. Manu Tuilagi – The Nearly Man

When fit, Tuilagi could bulldoze through the best defences in the world and turn games on their head. Sadly, injuries and inconsistency have kept him from becoming the dominant force his hype once promised.

6. Alun Wyn Jones – Legend or Legacy Pick?

AWJ’s longevity and leadership cannot be denied, and his caps record is nothing short of legendary. Yet his late-career selections, seen by some as reputation-driven, have sparked debate about whether he overstayed at the top.

5. Finn Russell – Flair or Foolhardy?

Scotland’s mercurial 10 is a joy to watch when everything clicks, delivering outrageous passes and game-changing creativity. But his unpredictability often drifts into recklessness, leaving critics frustrated with his lack of control.

4. Siya Kolisi – Captain Courageous… But Overpraised?

Kolisi is a symbol of inspiration and leadership, especially after lifting the World Cup. Still, detractors suggest his personal performances don’t always match the level of praise and spotlight he receives.

3. Gavin Henson – More Tan Than Talent?

Henson had all the flair, style, and hype to be a Welsh icon for the ages. Instead, his career fizzled under the weight of off-field headlines and missed opportunities on it.

2. Sergio Parisse – Solo Showman

Parisse often looked like the lone star in an underperforming Italy side, dazzling with skills and vision. But critics argue his showmanship sometimes masked limited effectiveness in the tight exchanges where games are won.

1. Sébastien Chabal – The Caveman Myth

Chabal’s image, with the beard and bone-crunching tackles, made him a cult hero around the world. Yet when it came to consistent top-level performance, many argue he was more myth than monster.

"Myth" - The 20 Most Overrated Rugby Stars of All Time, According to Fans

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