New Zealand rugby legend Richie McCaw has announced his retirement from Rugby union with immediate effect.
It has been less than three weeks after he captaining New Zealand to a second consecutive Rugby World Cup success.
The 34-year-old openside flanker retires as the most capped Test player in history, with the 34-17 victory over New Zealand in last month’s final coming as his 148th and final Test appearance.
McCaw’s decision has been expected to come on Thursday after reports in New Zealand earlier this week suggested he had decided to hang up his boots rather than take a lucrative pay day with a move to a northern hemisphere club.
However, the sudden death of former All Blacks team-mate Jonah Lomu on Wednesday did make McCaw question whether the time was right to make the announcement, but in doing so he made a fitting tribute to the late legend of the sport.
