Richie McCaw

All Blacks Captain 2006-2015.

Richie McCaw is among the finest captains in All Blacks history, constantly demonstrating the art of leading from the front. Leading by example, he has perfected the art of creating and inspiring a winning team, encouraging his teammates to lift their game and be the best they can be.

With a tenacious drive and determination, Richie demonstrated to New Zealand and the world what it takes to be a leader in the face the greatest challenge of his career – winning the Rugby World Cup for New Zealand in 2011.

He is the most capped All Black of all time and is also the most successful Test captain. The All Blacks World Cup win in 2011 demonstrated Richie’s ability to lead his team to victory, despite the pressure of the country and personal injury.

It is perhaps off the field where Richie makes his greatest impression and where his commitment to New Zealand shines. He takes the time to visit schools and hospitals across the country and has used his profile on many occasions to raise funds for many good causes, including being a patron of the Catwalk Trust and Southern DC3 Trust. Richie has also been dedicated to the re-build of Christchurch, fronting many fundraising efforts to restore his home city.

His talents go beyond rugby as a qualified pilot and honorary Squadron Leader in the Royal NZ Air Force.

His involvement in rugby extends beyond playing the game – he is very active and influential on player welfare matters and is on the board of the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association. He has huge international mana, amongst players and administration alike, and is a great role model to young people who dream of being such a hero one day.

Since winning the Blake Leader Award in 2012, Richie has gone on to Captain the All Blacks to another World Cup Victory in 2015 and has now retired as the All Blacks Captain.