New Zealand's World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw has announced his retirement from rugby.

The 34-year-old lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time last month as the All Blacks beat Australia in the final. 

In a glittering career, the flanker also won the tournament four years previously.

The man who holds the record for most international tests, won the first of his 148 caps back in 2001 against Ireland at Landsdowne Road.

"Today, I thought about whether it was the right thing to do this. But I'm going to be hanging up my boots," he said, also paying tribute to late All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu who passed away last night aged 40.

McCaw said: "There are a lot of people round the world hurting at the loss of a great man."