Richie McCaw has revealed he decided to end his rugby career after leading New Zealand to a second consecutive Rugby World Cup success.

Flanker McCaw confirmed his retirement on Thursday, less than three weeks after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup following the All Blacks' 34-17 win over Australia at Twickenham.

McCaw bows out of the sport having made 148 appearances for New Zealand – making him the most capped player in international rugby union.

The 34-year-old said at a media conference: "The last two weeks has given me a chance to reflect a bit, and I sit here today with no regrets about what I've done over the years as a rugby player.

"If I reflect on the years I've had as a rugby player I've been hugely privileged to have done what I have done in rugby.

"I knew [I was retiring] after that final whistle at Twickenham and after I took the jersey off was probably the most emotional I got."

McCaw's announcement came in the wake of the passing of legendary All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu, who died on Wednesday at the age of 40.

Paying tribute to Lomu - whose career was cut short by a rare kidney syndrome - McCaw added: "Had he been 100 per cent fit I wonder what he could've done, that's scary

"How he held himself paved the way for everyone who wore the jersey since."