All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Lincoln University in Christchurch.

McCaw's doctorate recognises “natural resources” and is one of three handed out by the university.

As an individual player, he becomes the first All Black to achieve 100 test caps, has been International Rugby Board International Player of the Year on three occasions and was New Zealand Sportsman of the Year in 2010.

McCaw is in line to be announced New Zealand sportsman for this year, having gained a nomination for the Halberg Awards where his All Blacks will be hot favourites to take out the team of the year title.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi