Richie McCaw
As of July 28, 2013 National September 7, 2013
Richard Hugh "Richie" McCaw ( born December 31, 1980 in Oamaru ) is a New Zealand rugby union player. He is currently the captain of the All Blacks, the national team. He plays for the Canterbury Rugby Football Union in the New Zealand Cup Air New Zealand Cup and for the Crusaders in the Super 14 international championship
Career
McCaw started his rugby career when he was seven years old and moved to Dunedin to visit there, the Otago Boys' High School.
In the school rugby 1998 final against Rotorua Boys High School McCaw showed his talent for the first time. He set the single trial for his team in a 5-5 draw. His talent earned him a rugby scholarship at Lincoln University in Christchurch. He accepted the offer and studied agriculture there. This enabled him to play for Canterbury and the Crusaders. At the age of 20 he was drafted into the New Zealand national team. He had chosen his first game against Ireland and became the " man of the match".
In 2004, McCaw captain of Canterbury. He injured his head, but was fit in time and led his team to winning the Air New Zealand Cup. In the 60th match against Wales in late 2004, he was appointed captain of the All Blacks. He was also appointed captain of the Crusaders in 2005. Because of a new head injury he could not play about half of the season. In the end, however, he was fit again and conquered Cup against NSW Waratahs.
On 13 May 2006, McCaw was named the official captain of the All Blacks. He succeeded the legendary Tana Umaga, who officially left office with the start of the 2006 season. It had been expected for some time that McCaw Tanagas will assume role, as he was the vice-captain. McCaw is considered the best right flanker ( openside flanker ) in the world.
On November 21, 2006 McCaw won the prize of the International Rugby Players' Association as the best player of the year. New Zealand won the prize for best team and teammate Jason Eaton the prize as newcomer of the year. In addition, McCaw was honored by the International Rugby Board as the best player of 2006. He also won the Audience Award at the election of New Zealand Sportsman of the Year.
Other sporting activities
McCaw is an avid glider pilot.