Where are they now? Five years later – the six All Blacks legends who retired after 2015 RWC victory

The 2015 Rugby World Cup marked the end of an era for the All Blacks, and the rugby world as a whole. It was a historic moment that signified a passing of the torch to the next wave of New Zealand stars, as six of the all time greatest players to ever pull on a black jersey, retired from their international duties.

Some of them continued to play at club level, and some even remain active to this day. In this article we will take a look at what the six generation-defining stars decided to do, after the international curtain call five years ago.

1. Richie McCaw

Where else to start but with the two-time Rugby World Cup winning captain. Arguably the greatest player of all time, McCaw steered the ship to retain the trophy on New Zealand's home soil.

McCaw retired from all aspects of rugby after the final whistle, and ended his club career with the Crusaders. A passionate pilot, and experienced glider, the former flanker became a shareholder and director at Christchurch Helicopters.

McCaw obtained his helicopter license in early 2016, and was involved in numerous rescue missions during the Kaikoura earthquake, which devastated New Zealand’s southern island. This man truly is a patron of his country!

He was even awarded ‘The Order of New Zealand’ in 2016, which is the highest award to be bestowed by the government to a New Zealander.

In 2019, World Rugby inducted McCaw into the Hall of Fame, and with such a decorated career, and as the All Blacks most-capped player (148 appearances) it is clear to see why.

2. Dan Carter

Carter retired from the All Blacks as the all time leading international points scorer, with 1,598 points scored between 2003 and 2015, averaging an astonishing 14.26 points per game! England’s Jonny Wilkinson is second, yet still sits over 300 points adrift of the greatest fly half to ever play the game.

Carter continued his playing career for Racing 92 in France. There he successfully lead the Parisian club to the Top 14 league title in 2016. The Heineken European Champions Cup elapsed Carter twice during his tenure in France, falling short in his first season, as Racing 92 lost to Saracens in the final. And again, as Leinster narrowly bested Carter’s side two years later, earning him a second silver medal.

Currently, Carter plays his rugby for Kobelco Steelers in Japan, and has won the 2018/19 Japan Top League.

3. Ma’a Nonu

An irreplaceable player in All Blacks centre, Nonu scored a fantastic try in his final international game, running in from 42m to put the game beyond all doubt for Australia. Similarly to Carter, Nonu moved onto to ventures in France, signing for super-club Toulon, where he stayed until 2018, yet was unsuccessful in ever capturing the Top 14 league title.

Nonu then moved back to Super Rugby, and returned to play with Auckland Blues, for the 2019 season. He has since moved stateside for the developing Major League Rugby in the USA, and is currently playing for San Diego Legion.

4. Conrad Smith

Nonu’s centre partner, who’s technical ability complimented the aforementioned centre's crash ball carrying. Smith continued to play, and again, moved on to prospects in the French Top 14 division, as he signed for Pau untill 2018.

However, unlike Nonu, the former Hurricanes captain didn’t return to Super Rugby, and retired from playing after his contract ended with the Pyrénées-Atlantiques side. Most notably away from the pitch, Smith ventured into the boardroom as a player representative for the New Zealand Rugby Players Association.

5. Kevin Mealamu

The front row architect who orchestrated New Zealand's scrum dominance in both 2011 and 2015 winning finals, decided to call it a day on his playing career, in the same style to McCaw.

Mealamu always made his presence known, and even more so before the kick-off in his last ever match, as he led the ominous Haka in the 2015 final.

Mealamu retired from his playing days, by hanging up his boots for Auckland Blues, and deciding not to venture any further. He was appointed as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2016 awards, and has since been relishing in retirement with family life.

6. Tony Woodcock

Veteran prop Woodcock also decided to never lace his boots again, by retiring from rugby at all levels since 2015. He didn't go out the way he planned to though, as unfortunate circumstances occurred. Woodcock suffered an injury during a pool-stage game against Tonga.

This ruled him out for the remainder of the competition, and he played no part in the final. Yet his career long contribution to the side was recognised, as he was awarded a winners medal. A keen farmer, in retirement Woodcock now owns a deer farm in the region of Kaukapakapa.