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McCaw with (what we're reliably informed is) a T-6C Texan. RNZAF on Facebook

Richie McCaw promoted to Wing Commander in NZ air force

You can only be captain for so long.

YOU JUST CAN’T keep a good man down.

Richie McCaw has long been a keen pilot and has been an honorary squadron leader in the Royal New Zealand Air Force since 2009 – before he was even a World Cup-winner!

In Ohakea air force base (near Palmerston North) today though, he was nudged even further up into the stratosphere as he was given a promotion to wing commander.

Why?

Because he’s Richie Bloody McCaw, that’s why!

mccaw2 RNZAF on Facebook RNZAF on Facebook

And also because: “he excels in performance, leadership, developing diversity and commitment to serving – not just as the All Black captain, but as a Kiwi who epitomises the values we all aspire to,” according to the RNZAF.

mccaw3 RNZAF on Facebook RNZAF on Facebook

Wing commander, if you’re not familiar with Kiwi ranking systems, is about half way between cadet and Marshal of the air force, a title still held by Prince Philip. McCaw is a licensed fixed-wing pilot license and is working towards a helicopter license.

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