Richie McCaw backs controversial $683m stadium

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PHOTO: Richie McCaw has played in all the great rugby stadiums of the world inlcuding Twickenham, Cardiff Arms Park and Stade de France. Photo / Getty Images

Richie McCaw has played in all the great rugby stadiums of the world, including Twickenham, Millennium Stadium and Stade de France.

Lancaster Park was his home ground during a golden era as Crusader’s Captain. But that stadium has been wiped from the Christchurch landscape.

With that gone, McCaw is excited about the prospect of Te Kaha, Canterbury’s multi-purpose arena, getting the go-ahead at this week’s crucial vote at the Christchurch City Council.

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“I think for the region and all the other things it could offer the city, we will all look back and say ‘jeez that was well worth having to make that tough call’,” McCaw said.

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Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge has implored Christchurch City Council to deliver on its stadium promise. He said stopping was not an option and pausing and re-evaluating the project would be little better.

McCaw, who retired from rugby when the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup in 2015, said: “If the stadium gets approval from the council to go ahead we will look back on this moment in years to come and say ‘thank goodness people were able to make that decision’.”

The former Crusaders captain led the Christchurch-based franchise to three championships in 2005, 2006, and 2008, and made the playoffs from 2002-2004, all played at Lancaster Park.

“There are some pretty cool memories there,” McCaw said.