While Sir Steve Hansen was knighted in 2019 for his unparalleled success as the All Blacks’ head coach, the conversation often shifts to Richie McCaw—arguably New Zealand’s greatest rugby player. Where is his knighthood?
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McCaw, a two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain, chose a different path. After leading the All Blacks to World Cup glory in 2015, he became the youngest-ever member of the prestigious Order of New Zealand, limited to just 20 living members. Many argue this honour surpasses a knighthood.
“It didn’t feel quite right”
Back in 2011, after McCaw captained the All Blacks to a triumphant World Cup win on home soil, then-Prime Minister John Key revealed he’d floated the idea of a knighthood. However, McCaw declined.
“In the end, the conclusion that he drew was that he would love to take it but now wasn’t the right time,” Key told RadioSport. “He made the call that he’s still in his playing career and it didn’t feel quite right for him.”
Key confirmed no formal offer was made. “We didn’t formally get to offer it to him in the sense that we knew if we offered it he wouldn’t take it.”
“I don’t know whether that’s the right thing just yet”
After securing back-to-back World Cup wins in 2015, Richie McCaw was again in the spotlight for a knighthood. Yet, he remained reluctant. Speaking to TVNZ after the tournament, McCaw said:
“I’m still pretty young, so to have a title [knighthood] like that, I don’t know whether that’s the right thing just yet.”
At the 2016 investiture ceremony where he officially joined the Order of New Zealand, McCaw reiterated his decision, saying it “sat more comfortably” with him.
“You can’t get any bigger than this”
Reflecting on his honours, Richie McCaw expressed no regrets about turning down a knighthood. “You can’t get any bigger than this,” he said of the Order of New Zealand.
For McCaw, staying grounded remained a priority: “At the end of the day, you’re an ordinary Kiwi really. People expect you to behave like that … it’s one of the things I’ve always been strong on.”
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“A little embarrassing”
As the youngest-ever recipient of the Order of New Zealand, McCaw admitted the accolade felt slightly awkward. “I have had friends point that out to me,” he laughed.
For now, the choice of whether he’ll ever become “Sir Richie” rests solely with McCaw himself. And knowing the man, he seems perfectly content as Richie McCaw—rugby’s greatest.
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15. Christian Cullen (New Zealand)
The Paekakariki Express – pure attacking brilliance.
Cullen’s elusive running and flair from fullback made him one of the most exciting players of his generation. McCaw has often praised the “X-factor” players who changed games — and Cullen certainly fits that description.
14. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
Nicknamed “The Bus” for a reason.
Savea bulldozed defenders throughout the 2010s, becoming one of the All Blacks’ most prolific finishers. McCaw has spoken glowingly about the modern winger’s mix of strength and speed.
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
The sport’s first true global superstar.
Richie McCaw on Lomu:
“When I first became an All Black he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you had watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once.
He’s one of the absolute superstars of rugby. If you go somewhere rugby isn’t well known, the one guy they do know is Jonah.”
Lomu’s passing at just 40 was deeply felt by McCaw, who described him as “a legend of the All Blacks and a legend of rugby.”
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13. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
A powerhouse with brains and finesse.
McCaw has long admired Nonu’s development from raw runner to one of the smartest midfielders in the game. His combination with Conrad Smith defined an era of All Blacks dominance.
12. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
The English icon and ultimate professional.
McCaw on Wilkinson:
“He’ll go down as one of the greats of world rugby.”
From his legendary 2003 World Cup-winning drop goal to his relentless preparation, Wilkinson earned universal respect — including from McCaw.
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