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Agence France-Presse

Celebrated All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has sidestepped a knighthood and been awarded New Zealand’s supreme honour – the Order of New Zealand – which recognises the country’s “most respected people”.
The announcement was made in the country’s New Year’s honours list which was released Thursday, McCaw’s 35th birthday.
After McCaw led the All Blacks to victory at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, making them the first side to win consecutive tournaments, many New Zealanders including Prime Minister John Key believed he was worthy of a knighthood.
However, the champion flanker and three-time world player of year who has said he would not feel comfortable being addressed as “Sir Richie”, has gone one better.
The Order of New Zealand (ONZ), the highest honour in the country, carries no title but recognises “outstanding service” to the nation and is restricted to 20 living members at any one time.
McCaw becomes the youngest holder of the title, eclipsing former prime minister and World Trade Organisation director-general Mike Moore who was 50 when he was made a member.
Others on the list include fellow former All Blacks captain Brian Lochore, golfer Bob Charles and former prime minister and now United Nations Development Programme administrator Helen Clark.
One level below the ONZ are the knights and dames who this year include prominent film director Jane Campion, and in a country renowned for an agricultural lifestyle, champion sheep shearer David Fagan.
McCaw, who retired after the 2015 Rugby World Cup, described himself as “an ordinary boy... extremely privileged to join the distinguished company of men and women who have been awarded the Order of NZ”.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Steve Tew described McCaw as “the most influential player of his generation, if not of all time”.
During a 15-year career, McCaw played a world record 148 tests and only tasted defeat 15 times.
NZR chairman Brent Impey said it was a fantastic accolade for McCaw who has “rightly earned himself a place as one of New Zealand's most respected people”.
Fellow All Black Dan Carter and the team’s mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka were made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith, who stepped away from international rugby after the World Cup, also received awards.


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All Blacks legend Richie McCaw awarded New Zealand’s highest honour

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has capped a fantastic year by being named part of the Order of New Zealand. Photo: AFP

All Black captain New Zealand's Richie McCaw takes part in a practice with several children from different schools Chile, in Santiago on December 04, 2015. McCaw is in the country to share his rugby experience with school students. AFP PHOTO/CHRISTIAN MIRANDA

(FILES) A file picture taken on October 31, 2015 shows New Zealand's flanker and captain Richie McCaw gesturing after his team won 34-17 during the final match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham stadium, south west London. Celebrated All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has sidestepped a knighthood and been awarded New Zealand's supreme honour -- the Order of New Zealand, which recognises the country's "most respected people". The announcement was made in the country's New Year's honours list which was released on December 31, 2015, McCaw's 35th birthday. / AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS

(FILES) A file picture taken on October 29, 2015 shows New Zealand's flanker and captain Richie McCaw giving a press conference at the Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, south west of London. Celebrated All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has sidestepped a knighthood and been awarded New Zealand's supreme honour -- the Order of New Zealand, which recognises the country's "most respected people". The announcement was made in the country's New Year's honours list which was released on December 31, 2015, McCaw's 35th birthday. / AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS

‘The greatest All Black we’ve ever had’ – Richie McCaw retires

(FILES) - A file picture taken on November 5, 2015, New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team captain Richie McCaw arrives at an official welcome parade and reception for the team in Christchurch, following their Rugby World Cup win against Australia in England on October 31. All Black skipper Richie McCaw announced his retirement on November 18, 2015. AFP PHOTO / Fiona GOODALL

New Zealand's captain Richie McCaw, left, and Dan Carter hold the trophy aloft after the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015. The All Blacks won 34-17. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

New Zealand's captain Richie McCaw, centre, right, and Kieran Read hold the trophy aloft after the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015. The All Blacks won 34-17. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

(FILES) - A file picture taken on November 6, 2015, New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team captain Richie McCaw (C) holds the Webb Ellis Cup during a parade by the team through the central business district of Wellington, following their Rugby World Cup win against Australia in England on October 31. All Black skipper Richie McCaw announced his retirement on November 18, 2015. AFP PHOTO/ MARTY MELVILLE

epaselect epa05005199 New Zealand captain Richie McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis trophy after beating Australia during the Rugby Union 2015 World Cup final at Twickenham in London, Britain, 31 October 2015. EPA/ANDY RAIN EDITORIAL USE ONLY / NO COMMERCIAL SALES / NOT USED IN ASSOCIATION WITH ANY COMMERCIAL ENTITY

Richie McCaw of New Zealand looks on after winning the Rugby World Cup Final against Australia at Twickenham in London, October 31, 2015. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

New Zealand rugby captain Richie McCaw holds the Webb Ellis trophy with Britain's Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall during a welcome home parade for the All Blacks in Wellington, New Zealand, Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. The defending champions defeated Australia in the Rugby World Cup final on Oct. 30 in London to be the first team to win the Webb Ellis trophy three times. (Mark Mitchell/NZ Herald via AP) NEW ZEALAND OUT, AUSTRALIA OUT

(FILES) - A file picture taken on August 23, 2014, New Zealand All Blacks Richie McCaw celebrates winning the Bledisloe Cup after the rugby union Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies at Eden Park in Auckland. All Black skipper Richie McCaw announced his retirement on November 18, 2015. AFP PHOTO/Michael BRADLEY

Richie McCaw waves at a recent welcome parade for the World Cup winners in Christchurch. Photo: AFP

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Sport

Rugby

Celebrated Kiwi captain awarded Order of New Zealand and named one of the country’s ‘most respected people’


Celebrated All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has sidestepped a knighthood and been awarded New Zealand’s supreme honour – the Order of New Zealand – which recognises the country’s “most respected people”.


All Blacks legend Richie McCaw awarded New Zealand’s highest honour

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Celebrated Kiwi captain awarded Order of New Zealand and named one of the country’s ‘most respected people’

Celebrated Kiwi captain awarded Order of New Zealand and named one of the country’s ‘most respected people’