All Blacks' Richie McCaw: 'Possibly the greatest player to have ever played'

"On behalf of the All Blacks, we want to congratulate Richie on everything he has achieved in his career," Hansen told the All Blacks official website.

"All this success couldn't have happened to a better bloke and we wish him all the very best for the future.

"In my opinion, he will go down not only as the greatest All Black of all time, but the greatest captain we have ever had and possibly the greatest player to have ever played the game in the modern era.

"To play 148 Tests is something to be marvelled at on its own, particularly with the physical demands of the position he plays.

"But the more impressive thing about those 148 games is the quality of the performances he produced. Having been involved in the majority of those Test matches, I can't recall him ever playing a bad game.

"His ability as a leader will be something he will be remembered for. Leadership doesn't come to anyone naturally, it's a learned skill.

"He's been an inspiration to us all. Not only has he enhanced the jersey during his time, but he has left a lasting legacy that will be talked about by many people long after we're all gone. It's been an absolute pleasure to have shared the road with him."

Several of McCaw's former opponents also paid tribute to the outgoing number 7.

"You can just see the bruises, the scars that he wears," said former Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh.

"He came onto the scene a pretty fresh-faced young New Zealander and he finishes with such an outstanding record.

"I do think he's the best rugby player of all time. He's won more trophies and medals than any other player."

South Africa's Corne Krige took to Twitter to pay his tribute:

Australia Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver echoed that.

"Richie's record speaks for itself, he is one of the all-time greats of our game and the greatest ever All Blacks captain," he said.

"For 15 years he has been a highly-respected adversary for Australian teams and is a class individual and a tremendous competitor who is deeply admired by fans and his peers."

Across social media, there was a range of reaction, from respect...

...to disbelief...

...to relief...

...to those poking fun at the superstar's well-earned reputation for playing rugby to the very edge of the rules.

Above all, though, the overwhelming sentiment is of gratitude for a player who epitomised rugby: