New Zealand Rugby congratulates All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw

Aug 15 • General News, International • 2012 Views • Comments Off on New Zealand Rugby congratulates All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw

Record breaking 142 Tests an historic achievement

New Zealand Rugby has tonight congratulated All Blacks captain Richie McCaw on becoming the most capped rugby player in history.

McCaw’s historic milestone was achieved as he captained the All Blacks to a 41-13 Bledisloe Cup victory against the Wallabies at Eden Park tonight.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen presented McCaw with a specially embroidered All Blacks jersey to commemorate the historic occasion.

NZR Board Chairman Brent Impey said: “the achievement of 142 Tests in the modern international game is an incredible accomplishment and it is a great honour for the game in New Zealand that our most successful All Blacks captain is now the most capped player of all time. That this record breaking feat occurred on New Zealand soil is particularly special and something we should all be proud of.”

NZR Chief Executive Steve Tew said “to surpass the benchmark of the longest serving and best rugby player at the international level and go past the record held by Brian O’Driscoll is a very significant achievement, and I can’t think of anyone more fitting to get to that milestone than Richie McCaw.

“The vast majority of the 142 Tests he has started and played 80 minutes, always giving 100 per cent and with a winning record that is almost unbelievable. He is quite appropriately now the most capped international player of all time and we celebrate that achievement with him.

“Since his debut in 2001 he has led by example, every minute of every day, both on and off the field. He is a great inspiration for others and we’re fortunate that he still has much more to give and we are all looking forward to the contribution he will make for the rest of the year and whatever else he finally decides.

“Let’s enjoy this moment. He is the most capped Test rugby player of all time and to have an All Black Captain in that position is great for all of us, and most importantly great for him, his family and the people who have been around him all that time.”

Photo by Cameron Spencer /Getty Images AsiaPac