Richie McCaw retires

Richie McCaw has today announced his retirement from rugby.
The New Zealand captain, 34, is regarded as one of the best player the sport has ever seen on the back of a glittering career that saw him win the last two World Cups, play a record 148 Test for the All Blacks – winning 131 of them – and was named three times as the World Player of the Year.
The announcement comes 24 hours after the death of Jonah Lomu but McCaw, who is now looking to concentrate on becoming a helicopter pilot said: “Today, I thought about whether it was the right thing to do. But I’m going to be hanging up my boots.
“My last game was the World Cup final, so the end of something that has been a big part of my life.
“I made no secret this year was probably going to be my last, but deep down I didn’t want to shut the door totally.
“I was worried the emotion might get to me in a World Cup year, by leaving that door open it didn’t feel final until now.
“It has been a hell of a journey over the last 15 years. I’ve been privileged to do what I love for so long. Here’s to new adventures.”