A while ago we brought you an exclusive extract of Richie McCaw’s autobiography, which detailed the quite extraordinary regard in which he is held over there.
Well today Green and Gold Rugby can reveal Richie is currently writing his second book, which focuses more on his childhood and family. We have actually managed to get our hands on an early draft of the first chapter, which tells the incredible story of Richie’s birth.
I can’t really describe it myself, so see what you think. Like the last book he has split up the chapters into numbered verses, so they can be read out on that famous day in late December where New Zealanders celebrate His birth:
And then the day came where Caesar Robert Muldoon issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire New Zealand nation. 2 And everyone went to their own town to register.
3 So Donald went up from the town of Invercargill in Southland to Otago, to the town of Oamaru, because he belonged to the house and line of McCaw. 4 He went there to register with Margaret (Mary for short), who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 5 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. 6 She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because they were in a lowly stable, surrounded by sheep and cows and other animals. 7 There was in fact ample room for them at local inns and motels, however like most New Zealanders they felt more comfortable surrounded by farm animals.
Surrounded by their nearest and dearest
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all New Zealand. 11 Today in the town of Oamaru a Savior has been born to you; he is Richie, the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising Richie and saying,
14 “Glory to Rugby in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on who hold the Bledisloe Cup.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Oamaru and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Donald, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19 Later that evening Mary and Donald were visited by three wise men, who had heard news of the birth of Richie and had followed a star that shone so bright it could be seen throughout the South Island. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. 20 Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts most cherished in the land of New Zealand- a carton of Winny Blues, a slab of Speights Gold Medal Ale and the latest Dave Dobbyn album. So Donald cranked up thy stereo and Mary, Donald, the Wise Men and the Shepherds all celebrated the birth of Richie long into the night.
You can’t make this stuff up. What a great story.
Anyone got a lighter? I’m busting for a dart.
Happy McAwmas everyone.
We are a fan run website, we appreciate your support.
