The All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been deemed the most powerful figure in world rugby according to the British newspaper the Daily Telegraph.
McCaw tops a 50‑strong list that has former Irish centre Brian O'Driscoll at number two and former England first five‑eighth Jonny Wilkinson, whose extra‑time drop goal won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, third.
England's 2003 World Cup‑winning captain Martin Johnson is next, followed by Wallabies former skipper John Eales, Wales' New Zealand coach Warren Gatland, Australian halfback Nick Farr‑Jones, and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, with former England coach Clive Woodward and 1995 Springboks World Cup icon Francois Pienaar rounding out the top 10.
The paper says “New Zealand's attempt to make World Cup history by becoming the first team to retain the Webb Ellis trophy will weigh heavily on the shoulders of McCaw, arguably the greatest All Black of all time”.
Richie McCaw led the All Blacks to their second World Cup title in 2011 and has been awarded the IRB Player of the Year a record three times.
The article, though, didn't say what qualified McCaw as the most power person in world rugby.
Source: Radio NZ
