After guiding his team to triumph in the Rugby World Cup, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has received a nomination for a royal honour, potentially including a knighthood.
Confirmation has come from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the agency responsible for collating and presenting nominations, that McCaw’s name has been submitted for consideration.
New Zealand’s royal honours system comprises eight levels, spanning from the Order of New Zealand to the Queen’s Service Medal.
Nominators do not have a say in which honour their nominee may receive.
The Prime Minister is responsible for recommending to the Queen the suitable honour.
These honours are unveiled in the New Year and Queen’s Birthday honours lists.
Prior to the Rugby World Cup, Prime Minister John Key humorously suggested that McCaw would receive a knighthood should he lead the All Blacks to success.
Each year, between 700 and 800 individuals are nominated for royal honours.
Only a handful of athletes have been awarded knighthoods while they were still active at the top level, such as Sir Richard Hadlee and Sir Russell Coutts.
During the Rugby World Cup, McCaw also achieved his 100th Test match with the All Blacks.
by Buford Balony
