McCaw returns to hometown

Jonathan Chilton-Towle | Monday, January 23, 2012 10:01

Favoured so: (From left) Cal Reid, Richie McCaw, Former Coach of Ritchie Brian McCone and Kurow Rugby Club president Hamish Thomson PHOTO/Tania Anderson

Oamaru local sport

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All Black's captain Richie McCaw returned to his hometown yesterday to meet young fans, sign autographs and thank his many dedicated supporters.

About 1200 people turned up for the event and police and fire engines even gave McCaw a small parade through town.

McCaw, who led the All Blacks to victory in last year's world cup, mixed and mingled with the community, and many local children had their photo taken with the rugby legend.

Kurow man Bob Watherston said the day was a great occasion and a tremendous opportunity for the young people of Kurow to meet a great role model.

He said McCaw appeared to be "a wee bit overwhelmed" by all the attention.

"We gave him a bit of razzmatazz with a police escort and a fire engine," he said.

"I don't know if he'd had that sort of thing before."

The event, which was not fully organised until McCaw confirmed he was coming last Thursday, was successfully kept secret from the media until yesterday morning.

"The information was broadcast by bush telegraph (word of mouth),"

Mr Watherston said there was "no deliberate attempt" to exclude media, but they wanted to ensure Richie would feel comfortable on the day.

McCaw was born in Oamaru Hospital and grew up on a farm in the Hakataramea Valley, but this doesn't matter to the Kurowites who say everyone from that area is part of Kurow.

During the All Black's epic Rugby World Cup campaign last year, the town was gripped with rugby fervour, even going so far as re-naming the town "McCaw Country" for the duration of the tournament.

All Blacks banners were strung up on the power poles lining the main road and as you drove through the township it was almost impossible to find a house or business not flying a black flag.

Corrugated iron Kiwis, painted black and numbered with the numbers on All Black's jerseys were up at strategic
locations around the town.

Even the town's annual hay family sculptures were given a Rugby World Cup theme and featured a giant replica of the Web Ellis cup.

The cup was damaged by unknown vandals early this year but within three days it was rebuilt better and stronger than ever.