Richie McCaw's body and life transformation amid dramatic change in appearance

Double World Cup-winner Richie McCaw has been leading an adventurous life, from battling blazes in a helicopter to undertaking 180-mile bike rides.

McCaw announced his retirement from rugby just three weeks after clinching the 2015 World Cup against Australia at Twickenham. The flanker, who earned 148 caps, is now considered one of the greatest players in the history of rugby.

However, the 43-year-old revealed he has completely stepped away from the sport.

In a chat with 98fm, McCaw shared: "Apart from coming to the odd game here and there to watch as a fan, I really have taken a full step back from it and actually I'm pretty much full-time flying helicopters as a commercial pilot now.

"So that's now my new day to day gig and it's a lot of fun."

Initially, flying aircraft was merely a hobby for him, along with his role as an instructor. But when the town of Kaikoura in New Zealand was struck by an earthquake in 2016, the rugby legend found himself involved in humanitarian aid.

The former Crusaders player worked with charities to transport supplies, medical equipment and resources to and from Kaikoura.

"I took the fire crew up just to make sure everyone was OK in the houses and the roads that were stuck there," he said.

But McCaw's desire to help others didn't end there. In 2017, he volunteered as a firefighter during the Christmas Day fire in Canterbury.

On that day, 20 fire trucks and five helicopters were dispatched to the scene in Hororata, and among them was the robust back-row, piloting one of the helicopters.

Gemma Flynn, partner of the Kiwi sports icon, shared a festive image of their family in front of a helicopter, with McCaw donning a fireman's outfit, alongside the caption: "Merry Christmas from Mr and Mrs McClaus. Santa was out fighting fires but arrived home in time for tea."

McCaw has also been involved in a unique "flying milk run", where he delivered supplies to four schools via helicopter as a part of the Fonterra Milk For Schools initiative.

The rugby legend was present in London recently for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, representing New Zealand within an 18-member delegation that included Willie Apiata, the first New Zealander to receive the Victoria Cross.

An avid cyclist and runner, McCaw joined Welsh Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas on a ride this past January.

In April, McCaw and Gemma welcomed their third daughter, Ella Mae, expanding their family which includes Charlotte and Grace, born in 2018 and 2021.

Merging his love for aviation and cycling, McCaw embarked on a 250-kilometre (155-mile) charity bike ride from Queenstown to Invercargill six weeks ago to support Westpac NZ rescue helicopters.

McCaw has undergone quite the transformation since his rugby days, shedding much of the muscle mass once essential for his role in Test matches. Embracing a love for cardio, he's sculpted a leaner figure, reportedly losing up to 20kg (more than three stone).

Just one week ago, McCaw took on the 'Alps 2 Ocean Trail', a gruelling 300 kilometre (186 miles) cycling challenge. Sharing his experience on Instagram, he said: "We started at Mount Cook in -6 degrees before biking through a hoar frost around Twizel and Omarama. Some testing conditions but definitely worth it for the scenery."