All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has retired from professional rugby.

The world's most capped international made the expected announcement at New Zealand Rugby headquarters in Wellington on Thursday morning.
The 34-year-old had held back on confirming his departure from the game after the World Cup victory in London on October 31 to allow the All Blacks to get their due recognition.
He didn't want his personal decision to overshadow the team's achievement after the All Blacks became the first side to win back-to-back titles, adding to their 2011 glory on New Zealand soil.
McCaw captained both those campaigns and had the pleasure of seeing New Zealand become the first country to win three World Cups following the inaugural success in 1987.

He departs with global acknowledgement as the game's finest flanker, one of the best players of all time and as an outstanding leader as well as recognition of his humility despite his unprecedented success.
"He's the greatest skipper and greatest player the All Blacks and maybe the world has had," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

McCaw's previous All Blacks coach Graham Henry said the Oamaru-born 34-year-old was "just unbelievable".

"He's a fabulous leader, intelligent, brave and inspirational. It's hard to find the right words. He has been absolutely fabulous. I think he's probably been the most influential rugby player of all time," Henry said.

McCaw played a record 148 tests from 2001 to 2015 and also played a game for the All Blacks against the Barbarians in 2009.

He captained the All Blacks 111 times.

He won 131 of the tests and played in two draws and 15 losses. He scored 27 tries.

McCaw played in four World Cups, losing a 2003 semifinal and 2007 quarterfinal before finding glory at the last two tournaments.

He was named world player of the year three times – in 2006, 2009 and 2010.

McCaw leaves with the New Zealand Rugby trophy cabinet bulging. During his captaincy he lifted the Bledisloe Cup 10 times, the Tri Nations trophy four times and the Rugby Championship three times.

He played Tests against 18 different teams, including the British & Irish Lions, and on 39 different grounds. He only lost to four countries – Australia, South Africa, England and France.

McCaw has also played 145 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders since his 2001 debut. He also played 34 times for Canterbury since 1999.

The New Zealand captain's retirement follows the departures of other World Cup winning All Blacks.

Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock have also retired. Dan Carter (Racing 92), Ma'a Nonu (Toulon), Conrad Smith (Pau) and Colin Slade (Pau) have taken up contracts in France and Ben Franks has moved to British club London Irish.