Two-time World Cup winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw announced on Thursday that he is to retire from professional rugby.

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McCaw confirmed his exit from the sport in a press conference on Thursday, with the decision meaning that the 34-17 victory over Australia at Twickenham in the recent Rugby World Cup final would be his last professional appearance.

Known for his peerless skills at the breakdown, a 20-year-old McCaw made his Test debut in 2001 despite having played just 17 games for club side Canterbury.