Not a lot scares record-breaking All Blacks captain Richie McCaw but the thought of retirement does.
The 34-year-old McCaw says he has yet to finally decide whether he will call it quits after this year's World Cup.
McCaw became the world's most-capped Test rugby player when he made his 142nd appearance for New Zealand in its 41-13 win over Australia on Saturday.
That Test was believed to be McCaw's last for the All Blacks in New Zealand but he won't confirm it.
"I haven't shut the door totally because I wasn't sure how I'd feel come the end of October," McCaw has told the New Zealand Herald.
"The door is open a little bit but I just want to concentrate on what I'm doing now and get a bit of separation after the World Cup."
McCaw said that after playing international rugby since 2001, "part of (retiring) scares you a little bit.
"I've done the same thing for so many years," he said. "To all of a sudden be having to figure out something else to do is a bit daunting.
"Conversely, a lot of people at this age change careers. It's a big decision that they don't have to make, but they choose to. The only difference is it comes to us whether we want to or not."
McCaw has ruled out a career in politics.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said on Monday that he will again offer McCaw the knighthood he declined after leading New Zealand to victory at the 2011 World Cup. Key said McCaw would make a great future prime minister.
But McCaw said politics is not for him ... at this stage.
"No, no. I've got to say I don't think that would be for me," McCaw says. "I'm probably like everyone and have an interest ... from afar.
"I'd hate to get in amongst that, I reckon. I'm quite happy just watching."
Share
