YOU JUST CAN’T keep a good man down.

Richie McCaw has long been a keen pilot and has been an honorary squadron leader in the Royal New Zealand Air Force since 2009 – before he was even a World Cup-winner!

In Ohakea air force base (near Palmerston North) today though, he was nudged even further up into the stratosphere as he was given a promotion to wing commander.

Why?

Because he’s Richie Bloody McCaw, that’s why!

Source: RNZAF on Facebook

And also because: “he excels in performance, leadership, developing diversity and commitment to serving – not just as the All Black captain, but as a Kiwi who epitomises the values we all aspire to,” according to the RNZAF.

Click Here: canberra raiders jerseys

Source: RNZAF on Facebook

Wing commander, if you’re not familiar with Kiwi ranking systems, is about half way between cadet and Marshal of the air force, a title still held by Prince Philip. McCaw is a licensed fixed-wing pilot license and is working towards a helicopter license.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!