New Zealander · Oamaru, New Zealand · Born 31 December 1980Two-time World Cup-winning All Blacks captain — widely considered the greatest flanker in rugby history.
Richard Hugh McCaw was born in Oamaru, New Zealand in 1980 and studied agricultural science at the University of Canterbury before devoting himself fully to professional rugby. He made his All Blacks debut in November 2001 and went on to play 148 Test matches — a New Zealand record at the time of his retirement in 2015. He captained the All Blacks in 110 Tests — winning 107 of them — and holds the world record for Test victories as captain. He led New Zealand to the Rugby World Cup in 2011 on home soil and again in 2015 in England — the only captain to win the tournament twice. He was named World Rugby Player of the Year three times (2006, 2009, 2010) — a record he shares with no one at the time. His openside flanker play — winning turnovers at the breakdown, slowing opposition possession, organising defensive structures — was combined with consistent effectiveness as a ball-carrier and leader. He suffered a significant foot stress fracture before the 2011 World Cup and played through it. He received the Order of New Zealand in 2015. He qualified as a commercial helicopter pilot after retirement. He is universally regarded as the greatest openside flanker in the history of the sport.
Becoming the first captain to lead his team to consecutive Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.
He won the World Player of the Year award three times — more than any other player.
Did You Know?How They Played
McCaw was renowned for his exceptional work rate at the breakdown, consistently winning turnover ball and slowing down opposition possession. His leadership qualities were outstanding, directing play from the back of the scrum and making crucial tactical decisions under pressure. He possessed remarkable fitness levels and game awareness that allowed him to be effective for the full 80 minutes.
Lasting Impact
McCaw redefined the openside flanker position and set new standards for Test match longevity and leadership in international rugby. His captaincy style and on-field excellence inspired a generation of players and established a winning culture that extended New Zealand's dominance in world rugby.
Career Honours
- World Cup 2011 2015
- World Player of Year 3x
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canterbury | 2001–2015 | 114 | 29 | #7 |
| Crusaders | 2001–2015 | 145 | 27 | — |
 New Zealand | — | 148 | — | — |
New Zealander Athletes