All Blacks legend Richie McCaw awarded New Zealand’s highest honour

Celebrated Kiwi captain awarded Order of New Zealand and named one of the country’s ‘most respected people’

Rugby World Cup 2015

Agence France-Presse

Published: 11:45am, 31 Dec 2015

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Celebrated All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has sidestepped a knighthood and been awarded New Zealand’s supreme honour – the Order of New Zealand – which recognises the country’s “most respected people”.

The announcement was made in the country’s New Year’s honours list which was released Thursday, McCaw’s 35th birthday.

After McCaw led the All Blacks to victory at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, making them the first side to win consecutive tournaments, many New Zealanders including Prime Minister John Key believed he was worthy of a knighthood.

New Zealand rugby hero Richie McCaw has been honoured in his home country. Photo: AFP

However, the champion flanker and three-time world player of year who has said he would not feel comfortable being addressed as “Sir Richie”, has gone one better.

The Order of New Zealand (ONZ), the highest honour in the country, carries no title but recognises “outstanding service” to the nation and is restricted to 20 living members at any one time.

McCaw becomes the youngest holder of the title, eclipsing former prime minister and World Trade Organisation director-general Mike Moore who was 50 when he was made a member.

McCaw has said he would be uncomfortable with being knighted. Photo: AFP

Others on the list include fellow former All Blacks captain Brian Lochore, golfer Bob Charles and former prime minister and now United Nations Development Programme administrator Helen Clark.

One level below the ONZ are the knights and dames who this year include prominent film director Jane Campion, and in a country renowned for an agricultural lifestyle, champion sheep shearer David Fagan.

McCaw, who retired after the 2015 Rugby World Cup, described himself as “an ordinary boy... extremely privileged to join the distinguished company of men and women who have been awarded the Order of NZ”.

McCaw joins an illustrious group of just 20 living New Zealanders who are part of the Order of New Zealand. Photo: AFP

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Steve Tew described McCaw as “the most influential player of his generation, if not of all time”.

During a 15-year career, McCaw played a world record 148 tests and only tasted defeat 15 times.

NZR chairman Brent Impey said it was a fantastic accolade for McCaw who has “rightly earned himself a place as one of New Zealand's most respected people”.

Fellow All Black Dan Carter and the team’s mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka were made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith, who stepped away from international rugby after the World Cup, also received awards.

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