In a year which saw NBA superstar Kobe Bryant announce his retirement, Richie McCaw's has still been ranked one of the biggest of 2015 by a renowned American sports magazine.
Sports Illustrated recognised McCaw's retirement as a huge moment which could have easily gone over the heads of American sports fans, many of whom are unfamiliar with rugby.
McCaw ended his career following the Rugby World Cup win in England as one of the most decorated players in the history of the game and a place among the greatest to have played.
"A farm boy who emerged from a small town of a few hundred (Kurow, pop. 339) to become a national hero," Sports Illustrated said.
"McCaw debuted for New Zealand’s All Blacks in 2001 at age 20, and over the next 14 years—as his powerful, 6'2" and 234-pound body accumulated bruises and scars from the most brutal of sports—his legend only grew."
Sports Illustrated also noted McCaw's post-retirement plans.
"A possible career as a commercial helicopter pilot. It seems there are always more boyhood fantasies to be fulfilled, even for Richie McCaw. "
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