But Richie McCaw feels "extremely privileged" to be appointed to the Order of New Zealand.

All that publicity has come good for Sonny Bill Williams, writes Chris Rattue. More to the point, it has found a great cause.

It was again a memorable year, full of highs, lows and ponytails, writes Greg Bruce.

The art of coaching is this: all your athletes are highly motivated when they start, but your job as a coach is to create an environment that inspires them to use that motivation.

When All Blacks captain Richie McCaw talked the day after retaining the World Cup, he said his sense of satisfaction couldn't have been deeper.

Ko's year special by any measure and sign of what's to come but rugby heroes claim standout moment.

The NZRPA has supported the idea of playing benefits rugby matches to help raise funds for Jonah Lomu's sons

Sports Illustrated named Richie McCaw's retirement as one of the biggest sports stories of the year.

Today we launch the Herald's annual New Zealander of the Year awards.

Gregor Paul casts his eye over the 2015 rugby season and hands out some awards of his own.

Richie McCaw was emotional as he donned the All Black blazer for the final time at the Rugby Awards last night.

Ma'a Nonu, who was once unwanted by any NZ franchise, has added to his list of incredible achievements in 2015 by being named NZ's Player of the Year.

Dan Carter was ready to quit the All Blacks just 15 months out from this year's World Cup triumph. So why did he stay with the team?

Sonny Bill Williams selects his top 13 rugby or league players he had come across in his playing career, but there's some big names missing.

COMMENT: How NZ Rugby damaged the country's biggest brand, writes Wynne Gray.

The Auckland Council was so confident the men in black would win the Rugby World Cup they were planning celebrations two games into the tournament.

All Blacks coach has given his backing to Stuart Lancaster and Heyneke Meyer, two coaches who have fallen on the sharp edge of the results business.

Having hung up their boots for summer - or for good - rugby's world champions went fishing.

Any All Black interest about jousting with England and their new coach Eddie Jones will be done from the sidelines for the next few years.

All Blacks great Michael Jones praises Jonah Lomu's widow for allowing New Zealanders to pay their respects to the rugby legend.

All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter has been nominated for the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award.