McCaw set for extended holiday
24 Sep 2012
Richie McCaw will be given a six-month break from rugby in 2013.
This is part of the All Blacks captain’s sabbatical clause in his contract with the NZRU.
While he’s allowed to enjoy a stint overseas, the player has rather opted to take a break. The time away from rugby is expected to give the 31-year-old the opportunity to refresh physically and mentally to prolong his career and strengthen the hopes of playing at the next World Cup in 2015.
After discussions with the NZRU, All Blacks and Crusaders management, it’s been decided that McCaw will start his break after the the end-of-year tour to Europe. The loose forward will miss the bulk of Super Rugby and the All Blacks’ June Test series against France.
‘I’m pretty keen to play as long as I can especially for the All Blacks, and in New Zealand; the break will hopefully allow me to play a bit longer,’ said McCaw.
‘Part of it is physical, but it’s also mental. Over the years I’ve never really had more than a couple of months off unless it’s been injury-related. So to be able to take a break, reassess and then play whatever time I’ve got left is a good opportunity.’
McCaw also believes extended breaks will help him to make an impact at Test level over the next four years and rejuvenate his passion for the game.
‘The big thing I want to make sure is there is not a perception I’m just hanging in there and just being around for the sake of it. I still want to do it right and having that break is going to hopefully invigorate the next couple of year,’ he explained.
‘The body takes a pounding regularly but it’s when you lose that desire to get yourself over that and ready for the next week, that’s when you start to have enough. Sometimes having a break here and there reminds you how much fun it is when you put the jersey on. I still absolutely love it.’
No 8 Kieran Read will lead the Crusaders in McCaw’s absence during Super Rugby. McCaw also expects Read to take over the All Blacks captaincy.
19 Comments
24 Sep 2012, 08:54 am
If Thorn could do it at 37 Ritchie can most certainly lead us to glory in 2015′ at 34, it would be fitting for the Ab’s to be the first team win back to back Wc’s. He could accept the trophy at Twickers and head straight to Buckingham Palace to be knighted.
24 Sep 2012, 09:04 am
Saffers are so jealous of this guy and display it as anger. Amusing.
24 Sep 2012, 10:29 am
NZINCHINA – Very clever move by NZRU, if only SARU had this kind of fore thought.
24 Sep 2012, 11:16 am
NZ won’t be able to fix a WC in the UK, so best Richie hangs them up.
24 Sep 2012, 11:44 am
@Big Hit-4:
Of course NZ can fix the next RWC.
It only takes winning consistently, beating the NH always and the job is done.
Other teams should try it.
24 Sep 2012, 11:45 am
@Big Hit-4:
Why you such an idiot?
Seriously.
How was at the last RWC, swapping the balls. Who was partying all night and made an embarassment
to a joke of a team?
Who fielded 16 players trying to beat Samoa.
You have done your fair share of fixing idiot.
24 Sep 2012, 11:48 am
That’s the spirit Ritchie.
Take your boots off,
put your feet up,
and log onto Keo.
Call yourself…………………………………….McCawsome.
And hey………………………………….Big Hit is one of them.
24 Sep 2012, 11:51 am
I don’t know when decides the options on the ”Keo Polls”.
But I notice:
Lose both games……………………………. is not available.
Strange but true.
24 Sep 2012, 11:53 am
@Hurricane-6:
Answer…………………………Mike Tindals Stag Party.
24 Sep 2012, 12:54 pm
Richies role within Nz Rugby as an Ab leader first and foremost has been one of the more proactive decisions from the Nzrfu,if the union can afford it considering Dan can also expect the same dispensations,would like to see Conrad at the next Wc, so paid leave for him in the future.
24 Sep 2012, 13:19 pm
@cane-8: I cannot believe the arrogance in that poll.
We might certainly lose both games.
24 Sep 2012, 13:25 pm
@willievz-11:
You might Willie.
It should be an option.
But hey……………………………………………I think you can win both. With a little luck.
Both will be close. Very close.
24 Sep 2012, 13:56 pm
The Keo Poll has the look of 2010 all over again and look how that turned out.
I hope Wallabies and ABs give the Boks a hiding…..some of these arrogant fools deserve it.
24 Sep 2012, 14:27 pm
I would love to see a 34 year and 9 month old McCheat try and tackle the new Bakkies, Estebeth, in 2015. Carnage!
24 Sep 2012, 14:31 pm
@RL-14:
I think you could be right RL.
Time waits for no man.
And Ritchie has taken some punishment of the years.
I’m amazed he is still the player he is.
24 Sep 2012, 15:00 pm
Wonderfully gifted player that really makes the most out of his (well deserved) aura of invincibility. Good to see that the NZRU is taking proactive steps to keep him in the game as a player for another few years.
25 Sep 2012, 07:23 am
Jeez the sheep lovers are like roaches on this site today! LOl.
25 Sep 2012, 07:32 am
@goodstuff-17:
hilarious, havent you got to be somewhere jackrolling people?
25 Sep 2012, 10:06 am
Poppa69 get help now
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.