Richie McCaw Officially Receives NZ's Highest Honour

Former All Black captain and Rugby World Cup winner Richie McCaw received New Zealand's highest honour today.

McCaw is now a member of the Order of New Zealand, receiving his honour at an investiture ceremony held at Government House this afternoon.

It's a rare accolade only bestowed upon 20 living New Zealanders at a time.

Richie McCaw has been an All Black since 2001 and captain since 2006, leading his team to two World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.

As of last year, he is the most capped player in rugby union history with 148 caps.

The ceremony was not without its laughs, with McCaw having to bend down quite low to receive his medal from the Governor-General.

There was a massive round of applause and those gathered took hundreds of photos as Sir Jerry Mateparae and McCaw paused in their handshake.

McCaw was supported today by his family and his fiancee Gemma Flynn.

The former All Black captain said in terms of things he's achieved, today sits right at the top.

"It means a lot. It's a huge honour obviously and a privilege. When you play rugby or represent your country, you don't expect to have something like this bestowed on you."

McCaw said having a title like Sir never sat well with him, as he's just an ordinary guy at the end of the day.

"As a young man, you still want to be able to, I guess, integrate yourself with your mates as normal, and not having a title like that actually makes that somewhat easier."

Radio Sport