All Black legend and back to back Rugby World Cup winning captain Richie McCaw is one seriously impressive individual, and although he shed tears as he called time on his rugby career, it looks as though he is enjoying retired life just fine.
McCaw claimed in the weeks following his retirement that he had a number of goals he wanted to achieve now that rugby wouldn't occupy so much of his life, and aviation was at the forefront of his ambitions as he claimed he wanted to obtain a licence to fly both planes and helicopters.
The first of those he achieved last week, and he is now qualified to fly fixed wing aircraft:
Finally nailed my commercial fixed wing licence (CPL). Thanks to Peter Hendriks, CJ McCaw and Dave H for their help.
Posted by Richie McCaw on Friday, February 12, 2016
Most former athletes opt for punditry and TV work for their sport, or go straight into coaching, but not McCaw.
Next up for Richie is obtaining his rotary licence which will allow him to fly for Christchurch Helicopters, a company in which he is a shareholder:
I've been a director of the place for a year or so, so I know about the business. I'll be doing a bit of flying for them and also helping grow the business.
Fair play to him.
We're sure he'll be involved in the sport of rugby in the future in some aspect, but he's got a list of goals he wants to achieve first and he's going straight for them (as opposed to going in from the side).
[Stuff.co.nz]