Sir Graham Henry makes surprising GOAT call, Dan Carter left out

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 01:02

byRugby Rucker

Former All Blacks head coach Sir Graham Henry has paid the ultimate tribute to legendary captain Richie McCaw, describing him as
“the most influential rugby player who’s ever played the game.”

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Hansen, who worked alongside McCaw during one of the most dominant eras in All Blacks history, said the former openside flanker’s influence went far beyond skill or statistics.

“He’s the most influential rugby player who’s ever played the game. Very bright, very resourceful, very brave… you put all that together and players play for him.”

Under McCaw’s leadership, New Zealand won back-to-back Rugby World Cups (2011 and 2015), losing just one Testin his final four years in charge.

Graham Henry: The coach who trusted McCaw

McCaw’s rise to greatness was closely tied to former All Blacks head coach Sir Graham Henry, who appointed him captain in 2004 when he was just 23 years old — a decision that initially drew criticism from fans and media alike.

Henry, however, never wavered in his belief that McCaw was the right man to lead New Zealand through both triumph and failure, including the painful quarter-final exits in 2007.

That faith was ultimately rewarded when McCaw lifted the Webb Ellis Cup on home soil in 2011, ending New Zealand’s 24-year World Cup drought.

“He can hardly walk”: McCaw’s 2011 World Cup heroics

Immediately after the narrow 8–7 victory over France in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, Henry revealed the extent of McCaw’s physical toll.

The All Blacks skipper had played the tournament with a serious foot injury, yet refused to step aside.

“Richie is an inspiration to the whole team and management,” Henry said.
“He can hardly walk and how he played today I just don’t know. He will have some time out now. That he got through it was down to his heart and determination. He is the best leader this country has ever had.”

McCaw finished the final visibly battered but was still first to the breakdown, first to the tackle, and first to rally his side in the closing minutes.

Not about talent — about obsession

Speaking at a school in 2018, Henry offered a revealing insight into what truly made McCaw special.

Contrary to popular belief, Henry argued McCaw was not a naturally gifted athlete — but something far more dangerous.

“You wouldn’t call McCaw a naturally gifted sportsman, but he’s a man with a massive backbone and a huge ticker,” Henry said.
“He just worked really hard at being the best he could be. That’s all he did — he just wanted to be better tomorrow than he was today.”

That relentless mindset saw McCaw become the most-capped All Black, a two-time World Cup–winning captain, and a benchmark for leadership across world rugby.

Carter

Here, we rank the Top 6 richest rugby union players in the world in 2025, ordered from 6 to 1, highlighting both their net worth in pounds (£) and the achievements that helped them earn it.

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6️⃣ Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Estimated Net Worth: £10–14 million
Bio: Widely regarded as the greatest openside flanker of all time, McCaw captained the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories (2011, 2015). Known for his leadership, work ethic, and tactical intelligence.

Key Points:

Two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2011, 2015)
Long All Blacks career with record appearances
Sponsorships with major brands (Adidas, aviation)
Post-retirement speaking engagements and business ventures

5️⃣ Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Estimated Net Worth: £13–15 million
Bio: Ireland’s most capped player and one of the finest centres in rugby history. O’Driscoll led Ireland and the British & Irish Lions to numerous successes and transitioned into media work after retirement.

Key Points:

Ireland and British & Irish Lions captain
Successful broadcasting career (punditry with BT Sport)
Brand ambassador for multiple companies
Post-retirement business roles

4️⃣ Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)

Estimated Net Worth: £15–17 million
Bio: A dual-code rugby superstar, Williams excelled in both rugby union and rugby league. He also pursued professional boxing, leveraging his sporting success into global endorsements.

Key Points:

Dual-code rugby international
Professional boxing career
Multiple domestic and international rugby titles
Endorsements with global brands

3️⃣ Mike Tindall (England)

Estimated Net Worth: £16–18 million
Bio: Former England centre and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner. Tindall has become a media personality and entrepreneur after retirement.

Key Points:

2003 Rugby World Cup winner with England
Television appearances and reality TV
Brand endorsements and ambassador roles
Family business ventures with Zara Phillips

2️⃣ Dan Carter (New Zealand)

Estimated Net Worth: £17–19 million
Bio: One of the greatest fly-halves ever, Carter starred for the All Blacks and in club rugby in France and Japan. Known for his precision kicking and playmaking.

Key Points:

All Blacks legend and World Cup winner
Record-breaking club contracts in France and Japan
Endorsements and ambassadorial roles
Post-retirement rugby-related ventures

1️⃣ Jonny Wilkinson (England) ?

Estimated Net Worth: £18–22 million
Bio: Legendary England fly-half, famous for the drop goal that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Wilkinson has leveraged his fame for lucrative contracts, endorsements, and media opportunities.

Key Points: