New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has announced his retirement from rugby.

The legendary flanker, 34, skippered the All Blacks to a second successive World Cup crown last month in what was the last game in a long and distinguished career.

McCaw, who won 131 of his world-record 148 Tests, debated whether to postpone the announcement after his iconic former teammate Jonah Lomu passed away at the age of 40 on Wednesday.

"Today, I thought about whether it was the right thing to do this. But I'm going to be hanging up my boots," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

McCaw, who made his New Zealand debut in 2001, led his nation to their second Webb Ellis trophy in four years following the win over Australia, claiming that there is no better way to bring the curtain down.

"My last game was the World Cup final, so the end of something that has been a big part of my life," he added.

"I made no secret this year was probably going to be my last, but deep down I didn't want to shut the door totally. I was worried the emotion might get to me in a World Cup year, by leaving that door open it didn't feel final until now.

"It has been a hell of a journey over the last 15 years. I've been privileged to do what I love for so long. Here's to new adventures."

The ex-Crusaders ace, who will now pursue a career of being a helicopter pilot, won 89% of his world-record 110 Test matches as New Zealand captain.