Richie McCaw

Richard Hugh "Richie" McCaw (born December 31 1980 in Oamaru) is one of New Zealand's top rugby players.

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After being selected for the All Blacks for their end of year tour to Europe in late 2001 (before even playing a full season of the ),] he has cemented himself a spot in the All Blacks number 7 jersey. As a youngster McCaw was bought up in North Otago, and started his rugby career as a seven year old. He was selected for the Otago Boys High School|Otago Boys 1st XV and obviously made an impression as he was selected for both Under 19 and Under 21 National sides.

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After high school he made the move to Christchurch to study agriculture at Lincoln University. This move proved to be successful because he was selected for both Canterbury NPC sides and Crusaders teams. At the age of 20, he was selected for the All Blacks tour, even though he was relatively unknown. Making his debut against the Irish, he proved them wrong with a man of the match effort.

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In 2004 McCaw was made captain of the Canterbury NPC team. Although he had a head injury that plagued his season, he was back in time to guide his team through to NPC glory. He was rewarded for his efforts by becoming the All Black's 60th Test captain against Wales in late 2004. In 2005, he was given the captaincy duties by coach Robbie Deans for the Super 12. Again, his head injuries kept him from part of the season but returned to lift up the Super 12 Trophy with a sterling effort against the NSW Waratahs.

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McCaw is seen by many to be one of New Zealand's greatest rugby players. His tireless work rate at the breakdown is obvious and he continues to impress even after five years of playing professionally. McCaw's form was recognized by the International Rugby Board in 2005, as he made the five-man shortlist for the organization's World Player of the Year award.

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December 31: December 31 is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. It is the final day of the Gregorian year....

1980: 1980 is a leap year starting on Tuesday....

Rugby: Rugby may refer to:...

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