Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Richie McCaw has revealed he now works full-time as a commercial helicopter pilot, having stepped back from rugby since retiring in 2015.
McCaw, who won 148 caps for New Zealand and lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy twice, was taught to fly gliders by his grandfather J H 'Jim' McCaw, who flew more than 300 missions in the Second World War. In 2010, he auctioned a personal flying lesson to raise money following the Canterbury earthquake.
After finishing his playing career, he has worked at Christchurch Helicopters, where he is a director and shareholder.
From pitch to cockpit
Speaking to 98fm, McCaw said: "Apart from coming to the odd game here and there to watch as a fan, I really have taken a full step back from it and actually I'm pretty much full-time flying helicopters as a commercial pilot now.
"So that's now my new day to day gig and it's a lot of fun."
Flying aircraft began as little more than a pastime, alongside his work as an instructor. But when the New Zealand town of Kaikoura was struck by an earthquake in 2016, the rugby legend found himself thrust into relief efforts.
Relief efforts and firefighting
The former Crusaders star collaborated with charitable organisations to transport supplies, medical equipment and essential resources to and from Kaikoura.
"I took the fire crew up just to make sure everyone was OK in the houses and the roads that were stuck there," he said.
McCaw's desire to assist others extended further still. Twelve months later, he volunteered as a firefighter during the 2017 Christmas Day blaze in Canterbury. Twenty fire engines and five helicopters were dispatched to the incident in Hororata that day, with the powerful back-row piloting one of them.
McCaw's partner Gemma Flynn shared a photograph of the family posing in front of the helicopter, with McCaw dressed in a fire-fighting boiler suit, captioning it: "Merry Christmas from Mr and Mrs McClaus. Santa was out fighting fires but arrived home in time for tea."
Charity work and coaching
McCaw has also taken part in a "flying milk run", delivering to four schools by helicopter as part of the Fonterra Milk For Schools initiative.
Last year, he temporarily joined the All Blacks' coaching staff - looking to provide them with inspiration for a Rugby Championship clash against South Africa. In doing so, he showed off considerable weight loss - having slimmed down considerably now that he's not required to bury his head into rucks anymore.
Reports suggest that McCaw has trimmed 20kg (three stone) since he called it a day a decade ago. This weight loss has been aided by his passion for cardio. He's big on cycling, and often posts to his Instagram, and rides for charity events.
A year later, as the All Blacks take on the Springboks once more, McCaw is fronting SuperSport's TV coverage in South Africa.
