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Richie McCaw appointed to Order of New Zealand

Rugby icon Richie McCaw has officially joined the Order of New Zealand today, becoming the youngest ever to receive the prestigious honour
Richie McCaw, Gemma Flynn

The couple tied the knot at picturesque venue The Olive Grove in Wanaka on Saturday. Photo: Getty

Richie and his fiancée, gorgeous Black Sticks star Gemma Flynn, were dressed in their best to attend the official ceremony today in Wellington, accompanied by his parents Don and Margaret McCaw.

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At the age of 35, the former All Blacks captain is now the youngest New Zealander ever to receive the prestigious nod, which is awarded for “outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity.”

The Order is New Zealand’s most senior honour, higher than that of a knighthood, and membership is restricted to just 20 living New Zealanders at a time. Prior to today’s ceremony, the youngest New Zealander to be appointed was former prime minister Mike Moore, who was 50 years old when he joined the Order.

“When you play rugby you don’t expect to have something like this bestowed upon you,” Richie told Stuff at the ceremony.

“I guess it’s recognition of the hard work you put in to try and represent your country as best you can,” he said, adding that the award was a “huge honour and a privilege to receive”.

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Richie receives the insignia from Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae. Photo: Getty

The Order was established by royal warrant in 1987. New members are appointed by The Queen, on the Prime Minister’s advice. Other members of the Order include Sir Peter Jackson, Dame Malvina Major and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

The honour is the latest to be bestowed on Richie after his history-making turn captaining the All Blacks to victory in back to back Rugby World Cups. In February this year, he was also named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, beating out fellow candidates Louise Nicholas and Rob Fenwick.

In January, Richie also shared some happy news of his own on Facebook when he announced that he and Gemma were engaged.

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Alongside a photo of the sporting stars holding on to celebratory glasses of champagne (with a sparkling rock clearly visible on Gemma’s ring finger), the rugby legend wrote: “I’ve had a fantastic start to 2016 and feel very lucky.

“Gemma said ‘yes’! It’s been great celebrating our engagement with friends and family in sunny central Otago.”

Richie and Gemma announced their engagement with this photo: Source: Facebook

You might also like: Watch the trailer for Richie McCaw’s new movie

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