The oldest living All Black has died aged 97

New Zealand Rugby have confirmed the death of Bill McCaw.

The loose forward played five tests and 27 other matches for the All Blacks between 1951 and 1954.

Before making the New Zealand side - Gore-born McCaw was in the Southland team that famously beat the British Lions 11-nil in 1950.

McCaw told the Herald in 2021 he was not related to former All Blacks captain Richie.

However - the latter did take the former and his family for a helicopter ride and picnic in the mountains in 2017 to celebrate Bill's 90th birthday.