All Blacks legend, and birthday boy, Richie McCaw has received the highest honour any citizen in New Zealand can receive – being appointed an Ordinary Member of the New Zealand Order. 

McCaw is the youngest person to ever receive this honour and is part of only 20 living people in New Zealand who can form part of this small group at any one time, according to the BBC.

In a statment on the All Blacks’ official website, it was also noted that New Zealand assistant manager Gilbert Enoka and Dan Carter were made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

These accolades for some of the stars of this year’s Rugby World Cup, in which New Zealand became the first nation to retain the Web Ellis Cup, are justified when one looks at the contribution they have made to New Zealand rugby.

And while they will be praised from now until the end of their days by those in their home country, McCaw says he isn’t comfortable with titles like this, but also said it is a ‘very special’ honour.

“It’s an incredible honour. I’ve never been comfortable with titles, it’s not who I am,” McCaw told the BBC.

“To have my rugby career recognised in this way is very special.

“I’ve been so lucky to have played with some truly awesome men and while I receive this award, my team-mates are a huge part of our success over the years.”

Rob Lyons, Pundit Arena