Southland Sport + Motorsport
- Bill McCaw played 32 matches for the All Blacks between 1951 and 1954.
- He was a loyal Marist Rugby Club member and later became a club leader.
- McCaw was named number 8 and captain in Southland Rugby’s Team of the Century.
Bill McCaw, the oldest living All Black, has died in Christchurch at the age of 97.
McCaw had a distinguished career as a loose forward, playing five tests and 27 games for the All Blacks between 1951 and 1954. He featured prominently during the All Blacks' tour of Britain and France, including tests against Wales and France, and their final match against the Barbarians.
He became the oldest surviving All Black in September 2023 following the death of Roy Roper. The title now passes to Brian Steele, aged 96, who played for Wellington and Horowhenua and is a great uncle of Christian Cullen.
Born in Gore, McCaw began his rugby journey at St Kevin's College in Oamaru. At 22, he joined Southland and, a year later, was part of the side that famously beat the British Lions 11-0.
McCaw's national career started in 1951 with a tour to Australia, where he played ten matches, including three tests. He was recognised for his leadership and playing skill during the northern tour of 1953-54, competing against strong talents for his place in the team.
During his playing years, McCaw captained Southland, led the All Blacks in a tour match against North of Scotland, and later captained both the South Island and a New Zealand XV against New Zealand Māori. His last season on the field was in 1955.
After retiring, McCaw made a major impact off the field. He coached and worked as an administrator at the Marist Rugby Club in Invercargill and served on Southland Rugby's management committee.
McCaw had a long history with Marist, joining the senior team at 21 and helping win the Galbraith Shield in 1948. He later returned as coach and led them to another Shield victory in 1959. He remained dedicated to the club, serving as captain and president, and was instrumental in building the club’s first social clubrooms on Miller Street.
When Southland Rugby celebrated its centennial, McCaw was honoured by being named number 8 and captain in the Team of the Century by noted rugby writer T P McLean.
His legacy continues through his family, with his son John representing Canterbury in the mid-1980s.
Bill McCaw’s contribution to rugby and the Marist Rugby Club will be long remembered.