#1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
McCaw was the first All Black to reach 100 caps, and the first rugby union player to win 100 tests. He was the most-capped player in rugby union history with 148 caps, having overtaken Brian O’Driscoll‘s record in 2015 and losing the record to Alun Wyn Jones in 2020. McCaw has also equaled the record for most appearances at the Rugby World Cup with Jason Leonard.
Parisse: “McCaw was an inspirational leader and a world-class operator.”
![](https://www.ruck.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/eight_col_McCaw_moustache.jpg)
DID YOU KNOW? He now works as a helicopter pilot. He flew several rescue and reconnaissance missions following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake that struck the South Island
Get your tickets for the 2023 Rugby World Cup at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace.