As if winning two World Cups and earning 148 caps for the All Blacks wasn’t enough, Richie McCaw has now become a wing commander in the New Zealand Air Force.

McCaw, 35, had been a Royal New Zealand Air Force squadron leader since 2009 but this week was appointed as a wing commander by the chief of the Air Force at a leadership forum at Ohakea.

In a post on their Facebook page, the Royal New Zealand Air Force said:

‘Richie’s left the playing field behind for the air field!

‘The man famous for his leadership skills on the rugby ground is joining the Air Force Leadership Forum at Base Ohakea today. With two Rugby World Cup triumphs under his belt, we reckon he’s a pretty good fit. Richie’s career has also been built on very similar values that the NZDF holds dear – Courage, Commitment and Comradeship. And let’s not forget his love of aviation.

‘Since 2009 Richie has been an honorary Air Force Squadron Leader. He excels in performance, leadership, developing diversity and commitment to serving – not just as the All Blacks captain, but as a Kiwi who epitomises the values we all aspire to. Because of this, the Chief of Air Force is proud to today promote him to Wing Commander.

Congratulations Richie!’

McCaw is a licenced fixed-wing pilot and is working towards his helicopter licence. He’s even expressed interest in a career as a professional pilot now he’s not wearing the All Black jersey any more.