Richie McCaw Is Now a Full-Time Commercial Helicopter Pilot After Rugby Retirement

• Richie McCaw revealed he has stepped away fully from rugby and is now working as a commercial helicopter pilot
• The two-time World Cup winner's passion for flying dates back to lessons with his grandfather, a Second World War veteran
• McCaw has lost 20kg since retiring in 2015, crediting his active lifestyle including cycling and charity events

All Blacks legend Richie McCaw, widely regarded as one of rugby's greatest ever players, has confirmed that life after the sport has taken him to the skies full time, working as a commercial helicopter pilot.

Speaking to 98fm, the 148-cap All Blacks legend explained that his transition away from rugby has been complete.

"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," he said.

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"So that's now my new day-to-day gig, and it's a lot of fun."

Following his retirement in 2015, weeks after lifting his second Webb Ellis Trophy with New Zealand, he joined Christchurch Helicopters as a director and shareholder, gradually building his flying career alongside other commitments.

Relief missions and firefighting duty

McCaw's piloting skills have been put to meaningful use beyond recreation. When a powerful earthquake hit the town of Kaikoura in 2016, he worked alongside charitable organisations to ferry supplies, medical equipment and essential goods into the affected area.

A year later, on Christmas Day 2017, McCaw volunteered as a firefighter during a major blaze in Hororata, Canterbury. Twenty fire engines and five helicopters were deployed that day, with McCaw piloting one of the aircraft. His partner, Gemma Flynn, shared a family photograph outside the helicopter, with McCaw dressed in a firefighting boiler suit.

As seen in the X post below.

He has also participated in a "flying milk run," delivering supplies to four schools by helicopter as part of the Fonterra Milk For Schools initiative.

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Weight loss and life beyond the ruck

McCaw's physical transformation since leaving the professional game has been notable. Reports indicate he has shed approximately 20kg since retiring a decade ago, a change he has supported through a commitment to cardio exercise, particularly cycling. He regularly shares updates on his Instagram and participates in charity cycling events.

In 2025, he briefly rejoined the All Blacks' environment as a coaching presence, offering inspiration ahead of a Rugby Championship fixture against South Africa.

All Blacks star ruled out of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour

Briefly News previously reported that All Blacks loose forward Anton Segner was ruled out of the remainder of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour in South Africa due to injury

Segner underwent minor surgery on his ankle joint and will travel back to New Zealand to continue his recovery

Source: Briefly News