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The Real McCaw: The Autobiography
Richie McCaw is the New Zealand All Blacks’ most capped player of all time. During the 2011 World Cup he reached 100 caps and has played over 60 Tests as Captain. When the All Blacks beat France in Final, he crowned a ten year career that started with a man-of-the-match performance against Ireland in 2001. Unquestionably the greatest player of his generation, he is arguably the most talented rugby player of all time.
In his autobiography, McCaw recounts for the first time, with brutal honesty, the roots of his family life that defined his character – learning to play the game on the family farm in South New Zealand and being inspired to fly gliders by his war-hero grandfather – and how it gave him the strength to emerge from the lowest moment in his career to become the most successful Captain world rugby has ever seen.
Unafraid of playing the game right at the edge and putting his body on the line for his team mates, McCaw has set the standard of what a professional rugby player should be. Hugely popular and respected, his sheer presence means that he is a natural leader of men both on and off the pitch and his story is not just a brutal account of life on the front line, but an exhilarating portrait of modern rugby.
In his autobiography, McCaw recounts for the first time, with brutal honesty, the roots of his family life that defined his character – learning to play the game on the family farm in South New Zealand and being inspired to fly gliders by his war-hero grandfather – and how it gave him the strength to emerge from the lowest moment in his career to become the most successful Captain world rugby has ever seen.
Unafraid of playing the game right at the edge and putting his body on the line for his team mates, McCaw has set the standard of what a professional rugby player should be. Hugely popular and respected, his sheer presence means that he is a natural leader of men both on and off the pitch and his story is not just a brutal account of life on the front line, but an exhilarating portrait of modern rugby.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
88 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Richie McCaw
6 books4 followersRichard Hugh McCaw is a retired New Zealand rugby union player. He captained the national team, the All Blacks, in 110 out of his 148 test matches, and won two Rugby World Cups. He is the most capped test rugby player of all time, and has won the World Rugby player of the year award a joint record three times.
McCaw was the first All Black to reach 100 caps, and the first rugby union player to win 100 tests. He is the most-capped player in rugby union history with 148 caps, having overtaken Brian O'Driscoll's record in 2015. McCaw has also equaled the record for most appearances at the Rugby World Cup with Jason Leonard.
McCaw predominantly played in the openside flanker position for the New Zealand, Crusaders and Canterbury teams, but also played as a blindside flanker and no. 8. During McCaw's career, Canterbury won the NPC (later Mitre10 Cup) five times, and the Crusaders won four Super Rugby titles. In addition to winning two world cups, the All Blacks won seven Tri-Nations titles, completed three successful Grand Slam tours and won the Bledisloe Cup eight times.
He made his debut in 2001 for the Crusaders, and was selected for the All Blacks' 2001 end-of-year tour, despite having played only eight minutes of Super 12 rugby. His debut for New Zealand was against Ireland, where he was awarded man-of-the-match. McCaw became a regular selection for New Zealand, only missing a few games due to recurring concussions. In 2004 he was appointed captain of the All Blacks, whom he led at the 2007 World Cup. After their elimination in the quarter-finals, his captaincy came under criticism, but he was retained and eventually led the team to consecutive world cup titles in 2011 and 2015, becoming one of only twenty players who have won two rugby union world cups.
McCaw was the first All Black to reach 100 caps, and the first rugby union player to win 100 tests. He is the most-capped player in rugby union history with 148 caps, having overtaken Brian O'Driscoll's record in 2015. McCaw has also equaled the record for most appearances at the Rugby World Cup with Jason Leonard.
McCaw predominantly played in the openside flanker position for the New Zealand, Crusaders and Canterbury teams, but also played as a blindside flanker and no. 8. During McCaw's career, Canterbury won the NPC (later Mitre10 Cup) five times, and the Crusaders won four Super Rugby titles. In addition to winning two world cups, the All Blacks won seven Tri-Nations titles, completed three successful Grand Slam tours and won the Bledisloe Cup eight times.
He made his debut in 2001 for the Crusaders, and was selected for the All Blacks' 2001 end-of-year tour, despite having played only eight minutes of Super 12 rugby. His debut for New Zealand was against Ireland, where he was awarded man-of-the-match. McCaw became a regular selection for New Zealand, only missing a few games due to recurring concussions. In 2004 he was appointed captain of the All Blacks, whom he led at the 2007 World Cup. After their elimination in the quarter-finals, his captaincy came under criticism, but he was retained and eventually led the team to consecutive world cup titles in 2011 and 2015, becoming one of only twenty players who have won two rugby union world cups.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 19, 2018
"I'll always want to keep a lot of myself to myself. That's just the way I am, where I'm from, the way I was brought up. I don't want to share my every thought with everyone..."
This was a quote halfway through the book. And as I read through the book I got the feeling that a lot of the 'real McCaw' was never going to play out on the pages, purely because he's not the type of person to spill his guts out to a ghost writer. Sure, we get the 'rugby Richie', but I often felt like he partitioned that section of himself off for the book, and kept the rest of himself to himself.
However, as far as learning about 'rugby Richie', it was an interesting read. We get his POV for many vital games, and his account of the RWC 2011 was engaging to read, as he juggled thoughts about his 'niggle' injury with the pressure of the RWC. The Warwick book and his visualisations were very interesting too.
Two things would have made a huge difference to this book. Firstly, I really wished he'd mentioned his teammates using their surnames. It was very jarring to see people mentioned by their first names as a reader. Secondly, a map of New Zealand! Something really simple to include, and it would've been a godsend for those of us unfamiliar with the layout of the two islands and the cities/landscapes therein.
A worthwhile biography of an excellent player, but left me wanting more.
This was a quote halfway through the book. And as I read through the book I got the feeling that a lot of the 'real McCaw' was never going to play out on the pages, purely because he's not the type of person to spill his guts out to a ghost writer. Sure, we get the 'rugby Richie', but I often felt like he partitioned that section of himself off for the book, and kept the rest of himself to himself.
However, as far as learning about 'rugby Richie', it was an interesting read. We get his POV for many vital games, and his account of the RWC 2011 was engaging to read, as he juggled thoughts about his 'niggle' injury with the pressure of the RWC. The Warwick book and his visualisations were very interesting too.
Two things would have made a huge difference to this book. Firstly, I really wished he'd mentioned his teammates using their surnames. It was very jarring to see people mentioned by their first names as a reader. Secondly, a map of New Zealand! Something really simple to include, and it would've been a godsend for those of us unfamiliar with the layout of the two islands and the cities/landscapes therein.
A worthwhile biography of an excellent player, but left me wanting more.
February 16, 2019
Great book bout true leg
December 18, 2013
This is an example of one of the best biographies of a sportsman. It gives good insight into how preparation for a game takes place as well as what happens in games.
Richie is frank and criticizes umpires often for mistakes, but surprisingly e mistakes are always against NZ NAND never in favour of them. Pity the book isn't more balanced but then again that it how he perceives it.
The first section of the book is "writer's note" and it is not Richie writing it, so I don't know why it is not called a biography.
Richie is frank and criticizes umpires often for mistakes, but surprisingly e mistakes are always against NZ NAND never in favour of them. Pity the book isn't more balanced but then again that it how he perceives it.
The first section of the book is "writer's note" and it is not Richie writing it, so I don't know why it is not called a biography.
May 19, 2021
I'm not big on sports (auto)biographies, but this was pretty good. This was openly written by a professional rather than McCaw so that certainly helped. I thought the four-year format with some asides to explain earlier life events was better than an all-inclusive A to Z life story given McCaw didn't overcome any early hardships. The biography is admittedly a little one-eyed... I understand that Richie McCaw probably doesn't want to share everyone else's opinion of him as rugby's prince of darkness or to sing the praises of every referee who ever sent him off but I don't think he cops to anything throughout the 300 pages which is... a bit Irish. Speaking of which, Ireland get several mentions in the autobiography including Munster's famous near-upset in 2008 and an interesting match in '03 where McCaw reckoned Ireland had New Zealand beaten but psyched themselves out. While the book certainly doesn't have anything to offer in terms of crossover appeal it's definitely a good read for a rugby fan.
November 2, 2022
I found this book very interesting because most people just know Richie McCaw as a great rugby player. Since he already knew this in the book he went into great detail of his personal life.
His journey to become an All Black and his plans after rugby retirement. He also included a small excerpt from his mind of each game he has played. He definitely motivated me to play rugby better. McCaw is not the biggest man in the field but he goes in hard and low. I can relate to this because some of the other teams we face as the 1st XV are huge; so each game I try to use this method to overcome the huge size difference between players. - “No Fear”. I have taken some of his advice into my own games as part of the 1st XV, these tactics may have been more successful if the whole team did the same.
His journey to become an All Black and his plans after rugby retirement. He also included a small excerpt from his mind of each game he has played. He definitely motivated me to play rugby better. McCaw is not the biggest man in the field but he goes in hard and low. I can relate to this because some of the other teams we face as the 1st XV are huge; so each game I try to use this method to overcome the huge size difference between players. - “No Fear”. I have taken some of his advice into my own games as part of the 1st XV, these tactics may have been more successful if the whole team did the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2018
What a book. The pain and agony which the All Blacks went through in choking the important games of the World Cups since their win of the inaugural tournament in 1987 is very evident. They are explained in the eyes of a player who took part in two of the recent World Cups (2003 and 2007) on which the All Blacks were clear favourites to win the tournaments but fell apart half way through.
From that struggle onward, the commitment given by McCaw, his team, the coaching and supporting staff around them to eventually be victorious in the 2011 World Cup in front of their own fans, and that feeling of winning it after falling apart so many times was just awe-inspiring to read.
From that struggle onward, the commitment given by McCaw, his team, the coaching and supporting staff around them to eventually be victorious in the 2011 World Cup in front of their own fans, and that feeling of winning it after falling apart so many times was just awe-inspiring to read.
April 20, 2019
Richie McCaw is one of the best rugby players to lace on the boots. Clearly he is a driven person both on and off the field. The book goes into explicit detail of the key matches -play by play especially around areas where he and the All Blacks fell short. It obviously still burns inside him.
I was extremely disappointed how negative he was about the match officials and he wrote the stereotypical whinging that All Blacks fans, staff, and apparently the players themselves throw at the referees. I found it demeaning to the game of rugby and one of the things I treasure about rugby. It did put me off the book but I tried to continue on through the book.
I was extremely disappointed how negative he was about the match officials and he wrote the stereotypical whinging that All Blacks fans, staff, and apparently the players themselves throw at the referees. I found it demeaning to the game of rugby and one of the things I treasure about rugby. It did put me off the book but I tried to continue on through the book.
December 20, 2022
Outstanding for a man so totally in the public eye and yet so private to let the reader into his totally focussed world of playing for the greatest team in the world. The first 2 chapters are right up there with the very best sports books ever written and set the tone for all that follows. Much is left unsaid but that adds to the tension that runs throughout the book as the quest for the holy grail of rugby intensifies. The non rugby narrative provides the greatest perspective - the family relationships, the love of home and the gliding provide heartwarming contrast to the blood, sweat and tears that is rugby of the highest intensity. Brilliant.
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November 26, 2019This book made me think about work ethic and working hard when Richie mccaw said''I don't believe in magic. I believe in hard work''
The writer is teaching us about work ethic and hard work because nothing comes for free you have to work for something to get it, you cant just sit back and relax and hope that something good will happen.
in my opinion hard work is something everyone needs in life you need to have a good work ethic to get things done and people with good work ethics are usually he people who will end up getting the job done
The writer is teaching us about work ethic and hard work because nothing comes for free you have to work for something to get it, you cant just sit back and relax and hope that something good will happen.
in my opinion hard work is something everyone needs in life you need to have a good work ethic to get things done and people with good work ethics are usually he people who will end up getting the job done
August 15, 2017
The game or the person?
Chronological history of world class rugby player. Apart from his passion for gliding I did not learn an awful lot about RIchie McCaw the person. Most sentences began with the letter I . Would have required a broader canvas to include contributions of family, friends and team mates. Don't know the Real McCaw after reading this book.
Chronological history of world class rugby player. Apart from his passion for gliding I did not learn an awful lot about RIchie McCaw the person. Most sentences began with the letter I . Would have required a broader canvas to include contributions of family, friends and team mates. Don't know the Real McCaw after reading this book.
January 9, 2019
Unapologetic but never arrogant
Rugby fans and players from all nations will learn from this.
Some understanding of the game will help but the meat is in getting a glimpse of the mental fortitude and commitment it takes to perform at the highest possible level.
A great example of a "Win or learn" mindset.
Rugby fans and players from all nations will learn from this.
Some understanding of the game will help but the meat is in getting a glimpse of the mental fortitude and commitment it takes to perform at the highest possible level.
A great example of a "Win or learn" mindset.
June 25, 2019
Hard not love reading about a man like Richie McCaw. It was an enjoyable invite into his thoughts and life and am thankful he put himself out there for those of us who have looked up to him as a rugby player and an leader. Hated to see him retire but it was his time. Hope he considers releasing another book encapsulating his thoughts after the being in the game for a few years now.
June 3, 2018
Limited insight spoilers
Was unsurprisingly written after World Cup in 2011 more like the first instalment where all the ground work is laid for the best team in the world to get better.
Would suggest reading Legacy first.
Was unsurprisingly written after World Cup in 2011 more like the first instalment where all the ground work is laid for the best team in the world to get better.
Would suggest reading Legacy first.
March 11, 2019
Brilliantly written book about of one the greatest players ever to play rugby. What a player and how tough was this guy? It goes into his mindset, how he went about training and where GAB came from?
June 10, 2020
run of the mill diary like autobiography - no real revelations
most elite sportsmen have similar stories
the most brilliant rugby player of the modern era and how he got to be a world champion - worth reading just for that.
most elite sportsmen have similar stories
the most brilliant rugby player of the modern era and how he got to be a world champion - worth reading just for that.
February 16, 2025
It was a solid read, very much for a die-hard Rugby fan.
The book helped me understand and gain respect for the work that rugby captains and coaches do to make it all work.
Also great to read a book about a great New Zealander.
The book helped me understand and gain respect for the work that rugby captains and coaches do to make it all work.
Also great to read a book about a great New Zealander.
January 2, 2019
Arguably the greatest rugby player and captain ever. How can it not be good?
January 3, 2019
Great read about a legend of the game.
April 5, 2019
A good sporting read from a true rugby great
May 16, 2019
I think I was hoping for a bit more on leadership and less on blow by blow accounts of lots of games. However clearly Ritchie McCaw is a driven man on and off the field.
June 19, 2019
Review to go up on the blog shortly.
June 27, 2019
Enjoyable read about a great player and some insights into AB rugby. Even if you not an AB supporter its worth reading.
August 11, 2019
Absolutely loved this book! Awesome to read and very interesting as he really goes in-depth into the key moments of his life.
October 25, 2019
It’s a rugby bio. Lost in its time
February 19, 2021
Good read
Enjoyed reading this autobiography from Richie McCaw and have a better understanding of All Black rugby. Just a pity it ends in 2011.
Enjoyed reading this autobiography from Richie McCaw and have a better understanding of All Black rugby. Just a pity it ends in 2011.
January 14, 2022
One of the best rugby players ever gives great insight into his New Zealand upbringing and the transformation of the Allblacks from perennial bridesmaids to a decade of world dominance.
March 25, 2022
Fairy tale rugby.
Currently reading
October 13, 2022great man great story
great man great story -Richie McCaw really is a legend of the game and this book reveals the intensity he required to become the best.
great man great story -Richie McCaw really is a legend of the game and this book reveals the intensity he required to become the best.
January 16, 2024
Best autobiography I’ve read. Love getting his POV on some of the biggest games of his career. Am an even bigger Richie McCaw fan now!
October 23, 2025
Some interesting insights into his drive and mentality and a whole load of whining about refs!
Decent enough read but not much different to other Rugby players books
Decent enough read but not much different to other Rugby players books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews