We know them as the All Blacks whose shoulders bear the weight of a nation’s hopes, but to a unique group of Kiwi blokes, they are simply much-loved sons. On Father’s Day those dads send a message to their cherished boys
Donald McCaw
Donald McCaw is looking forward to a quiet Father's Day meal in Christchurch with his world-beating son Richie.
It is only days until Richie heads to England with the All Blacks to defend the World Cup. But talk about the tournament will be low on the menu when Richie joins his sister Jo today to celebrate with farming consultant Don, 63.
"No doubt a few remarks will get made about the World Cup but it will be good to just have a nice, normal day before it all starts," Don says.
"Margaret and I will be going to England for six weeks but it will be hard to catch up with Richie there because he is always in camp.
"We will no doubt get together with him for the occasional cup of coffee but it is not so easy when the All Blacks are out in public because there are always crowds and autograph-hunters about.
"Richie is just a normal son to us and we are proud of him, just like anybody else is about their kids."
Lewis Messam
The phone will ring off the hook today at the Waikato home of Lewis Messam.
The 76-year-old and his wife Wanda have raised three of their own children and five adopted kids but have also given a home to 300 foster children over more than three decades. They adopted 42-test star Liam, 31, when he was two weeks old.
Lewis is expecting a call this morning from his All Black son but will also hear from his other children scattered around the world.
"I am not just proud of Liam for becoming such a good rugby player but for turning out to be such an outstanding young man and such a good dad to his own kids," he says.
"It does me proud as a father that we have brought up kids who treat each other with great respect. We have totally transparent relationships. Liam being selected for the World Cup squad is a better Father's Day present than a box of chocolates and a tie - but I will enjoy a very busy day speaking to all the children, some of whom are living in places like Dubai, New York, Malaysia and Sydney."
Glenn Retallick
Brodie Retallick. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Glenn Retallick couldn't be more modest when talking about his boy Brodie, who was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year last year.
The unassuming Fonterra truck driver from Amberley, north Canterbury, will enjoy a few beers today at a local pub with his other two sons, Logan and Brook, and his own dad Alan, 89.
All Black lock Brodie won't be there for the big night out but will check in with Glenn, 58, by phone.
"We are a big sporting family and I am very proud of all my boys," Glenn says. "They are all different and have all been achievers in their own ways.
"Father's Day in our house is usually very family-oriented and we try to do something together, depending on who is around and available.
"Presents are immaterial and it is all about enjoying each other's company. Brodie can't be here but he knows he'd better give me a ring - or else.
"It is always good to see the boys and sometimes it is just as good to see them go. But joking aside, every day is special when you have a family."
Stu Smith is chuffed with both his sons, All Black winger Ben and his builder brother Steve.
Dunedin sales rep Stu, 56, says Father's Day is time for reflecting on "a job well done".
"Sure, I have made a few mistakes along the way as all parents do, but I have to be grateful my boys have grown up well. Neither are in jail and they have both done well for themselves.
"As far as Ben goes, it was more a case of encouraging rather than pushing him with his rugby. He has always been a determined character but it wasn't until he was in his teens that he began to shine through as something special as a player and he never looked back.
"I have never had to tell him much as he has always been pretty smart and level headed, particularly when it comes to finance. These days, he advises me, instead of the other way around."
Steve Coles
It has been an emotional family weekend for concrete plant manager Steve Coles.
Yesterday he attended an early first birthday party in Wellington for his first grandchild - his All Blacks hooker son Dane's baby boy Jax.
"Jax turns one next month but as Dane will be in England at the World Cup we decided to have an early celebration while we are all still together," Steve, 53, says.
"My dad Ron is in his mid-70s and it is nice to have four generations of fathers and sons together."
Steve - who also has a daughter Maria - said Father's Day is an important occasion to the Coles clan.
"Now that my kids have left home it always gets me thinking about my own dad. I always give him a call on Father's Day morning and try to see him, too.
"Dane can be anywhere but he always phones or sends me a text, even if he is on the other side of the world.
"I see more of him on television than in person these days but I still get a buzz when he comes home
"Father's Day is all about family and every year is special when I see my kids."
Braeden Whitelock
With four talented sportsmen sons in the family, rugby runs in the Whitelock blood.
Sam, George and Luke have all pulled on All Blacks jerseys and Adam is a Canterbury Crusader.
"I sent them all to a boys' school because it was cheaper than having them at home - they were eating all the profits from my farm," dad Braeden jokes.
Braeden, 56, and his wife Caroline, from Linton, near Palmerston North, will be in England to watch Sam play in the World Cup and will have a holiday in Europe at the same time.
"Father's Day is important to me in as much as it reminds me that the boys have turned out well and have never been any problem," he says. "I don't judge any of them by footy but by the kind of characters they are.
"Three of the boys achieved degrees while playing rugby and they are all grounded in reality, which is pleasing.
"No matter where they are or what they are doing, they all ring me on Father's Day to wish me the best and ask about what is happening at the farm and in the community. They are all good lads."
Nathan Taylor
Having four children means no one gets singled out for star treatment at the Taylor house in Levin.
Youth worker Nathan, 51, is looking forward to a simple cooked breakfast this morning and a "peck on the cheek" from his wife, Christine.
He says his Crusaders hooker son Codie being named in the final All Blacks World Cup squad last weekend was the best present he could have received.
"This is one big week I won't forget in a hurry," Nathan says. "Codie gave me a call two minutes after he found out he'd made the team and I couldn't be more delighted for him.
"He has known since he was 16 what he wanted to do and he has made that dream a reality through a lot of hard work and sacrifice.
"When he was a lad, I was just happy to hold a stop watch and watch him run around the park, and so did his brothers and sisters.
"He is dedicated and humble and has been a great role model for our community. I couldn't ask for any more in a son."
Thomas Perenara
TJ Perenara. Photo / Getty Images
For Thomas Perenara, today is as much about celebrating the lives of dads no longer here as it is about enjoying quality family time.
The 47-year-old former New Zealand softball international from Titahi Bay, Wellington, is father of halfback TJ Perenara.
And today he and his famous son will remember his late father Eddie Perenara and his late father-in-law Terry Farrow.
"We have two energetic granddaughters and our house will be full of laughter," dad-of-three Thomas says. "We are a really close family and part of today will be about reflection.
"TJ's grandfathers both loved footy but sadly they died before they saw him really make his mark with the All Blacks and there will be a few tears and sadness that they are no longer here.
"But they are with us in spirit and would be every bit as proud as I am of TJ and his achievements."
