New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew says World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw will make an announcement on his playing future "shortly".
McCaw, who led New Zealand to victory at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, indicated he would likely retire after this year's tournament in England but is yet to make a definitive announcement.
His comments immediately after the All Blacks' Cup final win over Australia suggested the 148-test veteran might be considering continuing his international career.
Tew said McCaw "has asked for a little bit more time before he finally makes a decision and an announcement. He won't be too far away from getting to that point and I think if we give him a little bit more space and have a little bit more patience we will all be rewarded with the ultimate answer shortly."
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