Share

McCaw hints at S15 return

Wellington - All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has started running and lifting weights again though whether he plays the tail end of the Super Rugby competition was still up in the air.

The 32-year-old loose forward is in the midst of a New Zealand Rugby Union-sanctioned six-month sabbatical from all rugby and will miss next month's three-Test series against France as a result.

McCaw had spent some time travelling around North America and Europe during his sabbatical, which is scheduled to finish in late June, in time for the Crusaders' final regular season games against the Chiefs and Hurricanes.

The six-team playoffs series begins on July 19 with the Super Rugby final on August 3.

"When I'm back playing is still in the air a bit," McCaw was quoted as saying by Fairfax Media on Thursday.

"I'll get these next couple of months training (done), then it will come down to a discussion with (coach) Todd (Blackadder) and what's best for them and what's best for me.

"We'll make the decision going forward."

McCaw had begun running and done a weights session last week but would now look to increase the workload as he builds towards a possible return for the end of the Super Rugby season, though more likely the Rugby Championship tournament involving Australia, South Africa and Argentina that starts on August 17.

"I've got a bit of time to get fit," he added.

"Last week was about getting the dust off. Next week I'll ramp it up a bit. I want to make sure when I'm back playing, I'm in good shape.

"If I get the next couple of months done right, hopefully we'll be in good shape to do what's needed."

McCaw's team-mate Kieran Read, who is likely to replace the flank as All Blacks' captain for the Tests against France, has returned from a long-term toe injury for the Crusaders' match against the Auckland Blues on Saturday.

Read suffered a partial tear of ligaments in his toe in the Crusaders' 55-20 victory over the Southern Kings on March 23.

The 27-year-old No 8's return will be welcomed by the Crusaders, who had a bye last week but beat the table-topping Brumbies 30-23 in Canberra on May 5 giving them some impetus into the final part of the season.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE