McCaw to take All Blacks break

New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw has decided to take up a six-month sabbatical in his contract following the side's autumn tour.

The flanker has made 110 appearances for the All Blacks since making his debut back in 2001 and was a key figure in helping the side win the World Cup last year on home soil. Having played plenty of rugby at both international and club level with the Canterbury Crusaders over the past 11 years, the 31-year-old has decided to take a break from the sport. With the next World Cup set to take place in the UK in 2015, New Zealand head coach has backed McCaw's decision as he hopes to call on the back-rower for the All Blacks' title defence. He said: "If we want to get him through to the next World Cup, then it would be a good idea if he uses it at some point. "At the end of the day, Richie is a smart enough man to know what his body needs."