Richie McCaw is about to be immortalised in his home town of Kurow in north Otago.
A local town committee, including former All Blacks manager John Sturgeon, has commissioned a life-sized statue to be built in the centre of the town and say McCaw is on board with the project.
"Our committee wishes to acknowledge Richie McCaw's outstanding rugby career with a permanent statue of our local Kurow lad," said Sturgeon, the chairman of the Kurow Museum Committee.
"The enthusiasm shown already for this project reflects the pride we all have in Richie McCaw. Locals are not only proud of his rugby skills but also his commitment to the game, his leadership skills, his modesty and how he has become a role model nationally and internationally. I feel honoured to head this project."
Oamaru sculptor Don Paterson will build the tribute.
"There are two options for the sculpture," Paterson said. "I can make it with copper and polymer.
"Or, I could use bronze, but that is more expensive so the museum committee has decided on the first option, unless a major sponsor is found."
A rough cast preparatory sculpture for a proposed large sculpture of Richie McCaw to be erected in Kurow North. Photo / Supplied
Paterson said he wants to use actual clothing to create the required realism in the statue which he achieves by adjusting the folds as the polymer sets.
"For me to be creating this sculpture is a real honour; just fantastic," he said.
Fund raising for the statue will require some innovative ideas. However, with word getting out about the statue, donations have already been offered to the museum from enthusiastic McCaw fans.
"The committee will also seek funding from various sources and invite members of the public, groups and companies to financially participate in this project," Sturgeon said.
"We hope there will be interest shown by New Zealand Rugby and indeed all rugby clubs will be encouraged to donate to this worthy project."
