McCaw awarded NZ's highest honour
The announcement was made in the country's New Year's honours list which was released Thursday January 30, McCaw's 35th birthday. After McCaw led the All Blacks to World Cup victory, making them the first side to win consecutive tournaments (2011 and 2015), many New Zealanders – including Prime Minister John Key – believed he was worthy of a knighthood.
However, the champion flank 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's system, carries no title but recognises "outstanding service" to the country 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. Others on the list include another former All Black captain, Brian Lochore, golfer Bob Charles and former prime minister and now United Nations Development Programme administrator Helen Clark.
McCaw, who retired after the 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."
New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew described McCaw as "the most influential player of his generation, if not of all time." During a 15-year career, he played a world record 148 Tests and only tasted defeat 15 times.
New Zealand Rugby 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."
"We are incredibly proud of Richie and what he has achieved for rugby and for New Zealand. He's the embodiment of our vision for rugby to be a sport that unifies and inspires people. He has been an inspirational leader and an outstanding New Zealander. We congratulate him on this fantastic recognition," Impey said.
Daniel Carter and All Blacks assistant manager Gilbert Enoka were made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), while former All Blacks Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith and forwards coach Mike Cron were appointed Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).
"Dan, Keven, Tony, Ma'a and Conrad inspired a whole generation of young players during their time in the All Blacks and entertained rugby fans both here and overseas for many years and we congratulate them on their recognition.
"Gilbert and Mike, in their respective off-field roles, also provide outstanding leadership behind the scenes and we are delighted that they have been recognised as well. All of the rugby folk honoured can be proud of what they have achieved as we are of them.
"These Honours recognise not only the important contributions they have made to the game, both on and off the field, but also their contributions to the wider community and we thank them for that," Impey added.
Brent Impey also paid tribute to two other rugby identities, former All Blacks Doctor John Mayhew, who was made an ONZM for services to sports medicine, and former leading rugby referee Colin Hawke, who was appointed an MNZM for his contribution to rugby.
"John and Colin are both worthy recipients of these honours and have made a significant contribution to our great game," he stated.
Agence France-Presse
