Retirement awaits McCaw, Read...

 

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw spoke of becoming frustrated when told by outsiders to plan for post-rugby retirement. 

 

"That could be in two years, five years, 10 years. So to actually sit there it's quite a daunting thing," McCaw said during a World Rugby video.

 

For the worlds elite players at the peak of their powers, thoughts of retirement aren't often on the horizon, but even for these superstars, there comes a time when they must consider life after rugby.

 

McCaw said it was important for the modern day player to open up options, so that when that time comes they were able to peruse another career.

 

"I think it's a bit of an excuse to say I'm leaving the study or the school work aside to focus on rugby, I think you can do both," he added.

 

"I think the people who are able to do both, to manage time, to get that balance right, end up being a better player in the long run."

 

All Black and 2013 World Rugby player of the year, Kieran Read is capitalizing on the opportunity to play professional rugby while it is still a viable option, but he does understand the importance of a post-rugby career. 

 

"You want to make hay while the sun shines and make as much money as you can," said Read.

 

"You can't be doing this forever and there's a long time post-rugby that you've got to have a career."

 

Read is currently studying towards a sports coaching degree.

 

What happens when a professional players career draws to a close, can present problems.

 

"You see the guys that come in here [to professional rugby clubs], the guys that have done nothing else, they sometimes burn out or they don't know how to persevere with stuff." McCaw added.

 

Source: World Rugby