All Blacks captain McCaw rubbishes retirement claims
New Zealand’s national rugby team captain, Richie McCaw has rejected rumours regarding his retirement from international rugby after next year’s World Cup, and added that he would continue to play for his country beyond the
mega event.
Earlier reports in the press suggested that the All Blacks’ captain would move to the Northern Hemisphere after the World Cup and would quit international rugby, as he is one of the main targets for many French clubs, who are
willing to offer him lucrative contracts. Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams are the other two other players, who are expected to join French clubs after the World Cup. European clubs are also targeting a number of South African and Australian players.
McCaw confirmed to the Sunday Star Times last night, that he has no intention to play for any French club as he wants to prolong his international career for his country, and he will reject any offers for his services. He said
that he only wants to play for the All Blacks and has held talks with the New Zealand Rugby Union about his future, and soon both the parties will come to an agreement.
McCaw said, "I am having a really good think about it and I've always said enjoyment is the key. Rugby is a passion for me but enjoying it is the key. I loved it this year, I loved running out for an international and playing
for the All Blacks, there's nothing better. I've made no secret of it that I love playing in New Zealand and my desires to play overseas have never been that great.”
McCaw has had a great 2010 season with All Blacks, who won two titles under his leadership this year. First they won the Tri Nations tournament early this year, and then they clinched the recently concluded Grand Slam Tour of
Britain and Northern Ireland.
McCaw, who is the only player in the world to win the International Rugby Union’s player of the year award three times, has been a great player and his contributions have been tremendous for the All Blacks. They definitely need
his services after the World Cup as well, and his comments will have done a lot to boost the morale of the players.
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