News - AU Rugby
Richie McCaw becomes youngest member of the Order of New Zealand
AAP
April 14, 2016
© Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Richie McCaw has received New Zealand's highest honour.

The former All Blacks captain, 35, was formally named as a member of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ), becoming the youngest person to receive the honour, receiving his insignia from the Governor-General on Thursday.

The ONZ is confined to just 20 living New Zealanders, and is awarded for "outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity".

Representing New Zealand in over 140 Test matches, including two Rugby World Cup victories, McCaw said receiving the award was a "huge honour and a privilege".

"When you play rugby, you don't expect to have something like this bestowed upon you.

"I guess it's recognition of the hard work you put in to try and represent your country as best you can."

Several other retired All Blacks stars will receive honours in April.

Dan Carter will receive his insignia as an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), while Keven Mealamu, Conrad Smith and Tony Woodcock are made members of the order.

© AAP

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