Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is well and truly embracing his new profession, flying a helicopter into a Christchurch primary school in support of children's charity Variety.
The Cantabrian caused quite a stir upon arrival at Rakaia School, with swarms of kids making their approach after recognising him as the man who took the All Blacks to Rugby World Cup glory last year.
McCaw had all hands on deck at the charity's 26th Trillian Bash, helping dispense more than 100 bicycles to nominated children and signing flags, hats and t-shirts.
Richie McCaw poses for a photo with a young boy nominated to receive a bike (Variety)
The 35-year-old rugby legend's visit was organised by Christchurch Helicopters and Christchurch Airport's Top Guns Bash team, who back Variety's ambition to provide for Kiwi kids with financial or physical struggles.
Bash director Murray O'Donnell said this year's event raised a substantial sum for children in need.
"The Bash raised about $150,000 this year -- with final counting still to be done -- and we'd like to hand that out to kids in the areas through which we travelled," he said.
"We're hoping the people and the schools we met will encourage families needing help to apply to Variety for the assistance their kids need to be the best they can be."
The Bash came to an end yesterday.
Newshub.
