Thursday 14 April 2016 17:25, UK
All Blacks legend Richie McCaw said he was humbled to receive New Zealand's top civic honour, but also relieved he does not have to adopt the title 'Sir Richie'.
On Thursday McCaw was bestowed with the Order of New Zealand (ONZ), which recognises "outstanding service" to the country and is restricted to 20 living members at any one time.
It sits higher in the honours system than a knighthood but does not include the title "Sir", and is not awarded with a ceremonial tap on the shoulder with a sword. McCaw turned down a knighthood after leading the All Blacks to World Cup victory in 2011, saying that as an active player he felt it was too soon.
Fortunately for the former flanker he would not need to turn the accolade down a second time. Instead, the world's most capped international rugby player was awarded the order's badge by Governor General Jerry Mateparae in Wellington.
"As a young man you still want to be able to integrate yourself with your mates as normal and not having a title like that actually makes it somewhat easier," said McCaw.
"The fact that it didn't come with the title of 'Sir' sat with me a lot more comfortably."
The 35-year-old said the honour ranks alongside the best of his stellar career, as it was recognition from his countrymen.
"This would be right up at the top, you can't get any bigger than this. To be recognised by your country, it's pretty cool," he said.
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 another former All Black captain Brian Lochore, director Peter Jackson and former prime minister Helen Clark, who is now in the running to become United Nations secretary-general.
McCaw's citation said he was "regarded as New Zealand's finest rugby player". During a 15-year career, the flanker played 148 Tests and only tasted defeat 15 times.
He said he was enjoying retirement, piloting helicopters in New Zealand's South Island and last week completing a five-day adventure race for charity.
"I've probably got myself busier than I intended straight away, but there's things I want to do that I find enjoyable," he said.
McCaw, who led New Zealand to back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015, described himself as "an ordinary Kiwi" and was pleased to keep the pomp and ceremony to a minimum.
