New Zealand rugby legend Richie McCaw has been lending a hand in assisting the New Zealand earthquake relief effort after a 7.8 magnitude quake hit the country, causing devastating damage and resulting in two deaths.
The earthquake - the epicentre of which is close to Kaikoura, a small town near Christchurch - resulted in one man dying after his house collapsed in the quake.
And McCaw, a commercial helicopter pilot now following his retirement from rugby, was one of the helicopter pilots who helped fly Urban Search and Rescue teams out to the house (as well as other places), according to the 'New Zealand Herald'.
All Blacks great Richie McCaw has joined the deadly earthquake rescue efforts #EQNZ https://t.co/AmhsoknJoq pic.twitter.com/DOgraVrTL1
— nzherald (@nzherald) November 13, 2016
McCaw told the 'Herald' that he "got woken up at midnight" by the quakes and that he and his fellow pilots proceeded to take the Fire Service "just north and south of Kaikoura to check out all the slips and make sure everyone was accounted for".
Richie McCaw helps New Zealand earthquake rescue efforts https://t.co/XOIqmd7tet #wots pic.twitter.com/6lJObgzh9O
— What's on the Social (@wotstoday) November 14, 2016
McCaw is a national icon in New Zealand after an incredible rugby career that spanned 148 New Zealand caps and two World Cup wins as captain. These latest actions from McCaw will only further endear him to the people of the country amidst the destructive chaos of the earthquake.
Amidst the devastation their country is facing, McCaw's countrymen will take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, hoping to get revenge for the defeat Ireland inflicted on them at Soldier Field in Chicago last weekend.
(New Zealand Herald)
