Sir Graham Henry has delivered the ultimate tribute to Richie McCaw, placing the legendary captain at the very top of New Zealand rugby’s pantheon.
The former All Blacks head coach worked with some of the greatest players the sport has ever produced during his hugely successful spell in charge, including Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Kieran Read.
But when discussing the player who had the greatest influence on a rugby team, Henry’s choice was clear.
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Henry’s ultimate McCaw tribute
Speaking about his former captain, Henry described McCaw as “the most influential rugby player who’s ever played the game.”
He added:
“Very bright, very resourceful, very brave… you put all that together and players play for him.”
It is enormous praise considering the extraordinary talent Henry coached during his career.
McCaw won 148 caps for New Zealand between 2001 and 2015 and captained his country on 110 occasions.
Most importantly, he became the first captain in rugby history to lift the Webb Ellis Cup twice, leading the All Blacks to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015.
Henry backed McCaw from the beginning
Henry’s admiration for McCaw stretches back decades.
The coach made the openside flanker his All Blacks captain during his first season in charge in 2004, when McCaw was still only 23.
Their partnership survived one of the darkest moments in New Zealand rugby history when the overwhelming favourites were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Henry was controversially retained as head coach and continued to place his faith in McCaw.
Four years later, the pair were world champions.
New Zealand defeated France 8-7 at Eden Park in the 2011 final to end the country’s 24-year wait for a second World Cup.
“He can hardly walk”
McCaw’s performance during that tournament only strengthened Henry’s admiration for his captain.
The flanker battled through a serious foot problem during the latter stages of the competition and still played the entire World Cup final.
Afterwards, Henry said:
“Richie is an inspiration to the whole team and management.
“He can hardly walk and how he played today I just don’t know.”
Henry went even further with his assessment of McCaw’s leadership.
“That he got through it was down to his heart and determination. He is the best leader this country has ever had.”
What made McCaw different
Perhaps the most revealing assessment came years later when Henry explained that McCaw’s greatness wasn’t simply built on natural ability.
Speaking in 2018, Henry said:
“You wouldn’t call McCaw a naturally gifted sportsman, but he’s a man with a massive backbone and a huge ticker.”
He added that McCaw “just worked really hard at being the best he could be”, describing a player constantly determined to improve.
That mentality produced an extraordinary career.
McCaw retired in 2015 with 148 Test appearances, three World Rugby Player of the Year awards and two World Cup triumphs.
Carter may have been the more naturally gifted footballer, but for Henry, nobody had a greater influence than the man who captained his All Blacks.
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RICHEST RUGBY PLAYERS
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
