Is this Richie McCaw's biggest fan?

Lauren Perry has travelled nearly 90,000 kilometres in the past four years to watch her idol play. Photo: Facebook

Richie McCaw's self-proclaimed "biggest fan" has travelled nearly 90,000 kilometres in the past four years to watch her idol play. And surprisingly, she's Australian.

After playing rugby from an early age, Brisbane native Lauren Perry, 31, was forced into retirement two years ago after breaking her back in a match.

McCaw's autobiography Richie McCaw - The Open Side was given to Perry as a gift during rehabilitation, and changed her life.

The book offered Perry a new lease on life and helped her with the depression she suffered as a consequence of her accident, motivating her to move again.

"If it wasn't for that book, I don't know whether I would have had the strength to complete rehab and be able to walk without assistance," said Perry.

Perry said the mantra that kept her going was, "If Ritchie can play the World Cup with a broken foot, I can finish rehab."

She travelled to almost every game since completing her rehabilitation, and was honoured to have the opportunity to tell McCaw how much he has motivated her.

"As a captain, as a leader, he is so inspiring. Not just to the team, but to the entire nation."

Proudly sporting a "Richie's number one fan" sign to every match, Perry said she is just one among the millions of dedicated rugby fans McCaw has inspired in his career.