All Blacks legend Richie McCaw has returned to a New Zealand military base, sharing new photographs from inside an Air Force helicopter.<\/p>\n
The former New Zealand<\/a> captain, who won 148 caps and lifted two Rugby World Cups, visited RNZAF Base \u014chakea in September.<\/p>\n McCaw, 45, has held an honorary position in the Royal New Zealand Air Force for more than 15 years.<\/p>\n His latest visit saw him take to the skies in an NH90 military helicopter before addressing senior Air Force leaders.<\/p>\n Richie McCaw shares military helicopter photosMcCaw gave fans a glimpse of his visit in an Instagram post<\/a> on September 25.<\/p>\n The 2015 World Cup winner shared photographs alongside military personnel, including one taken inside the cockpit of an NH90 helicopter.<\/p>\n He wrote: “Great to be back at \u014chakea Air Base and have the opportunity to fly in the NH90 helicopter.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n McCaw added that it had been a privilege to speak at a dinner attended by the Air Force’s senior leadership team.<\/p>\n The post attracted thousands of likes, with supporters delighted to see the former All Blacks skipper back in the air.<\/p>\n [EMBED: Richie McCaw’s Instagram post \u2013 September 25, 2026]<\/p>\n Richie McCaw holds senior military rank<\/p>\n What some fans may not realise is that McCaw holds the honorary rank of Wing Commander in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.<\/p>\n He was appointed an honorary Squadron Leader in 2009, while still captaining the All Blacks.<\/p>\n Following his retirement from rugby in 2015, McCaw was promoted to honorary Wing Commander<\/a> in 2016.<\/p>\n The appointment recognised his leadership and longstanding connection with aviation.<\/p>\n His rank is honorary, meaning he is not a full-time serving military officer.<\/p>\n McCaw is not the only rugby legend to have a military connection. Former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones<\/a> was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh, with the approval of King Charles III.<\/p>\n Flying runs in the family<\/p>\n McCaw’s passion for aviation began long before he became one of rugby’s greatest players.<\/p>\n His grandfather, Jim McCaw, served as a fighter pilot during the Second World War and helped inspire his interest in flying.<\/p>\n