Richie McCaw's manager Warren Alcock hopes his client goes "somewhere where he is anonymous".

The decision by McCaw, currently in Buenos Aires preparing for Sunday's test against Argentina, to take a rugby sabbatical after leading the All Blacks on their northern hemisphere tour later this year means he will take a complete break until July next year.

He will miss the majority of the Crusaders season and skip the All Blacks series against France. Since leading the All Blacks to their World Cup win last year the demand for McCaw's services have skyrocketed.

Alcock said he would be surprised if the increased scrutiny and public attention wouldn't be taking its toll on New Zealand's most recognised sportsperson.

McCaw's love of flying, whether it be in gliders, fixed-wing or helicopters, will be an obvious release and he is likely to head offshore to escape the bubble in New Zealand.

"My personal wish is he goes somewhere where he is anonymous," Alcock said.

"He has to make a decision as to where he wants to go but the whole idea is to really allow him to freshen-up and take a complete break from physically training, take a break from being high-profile in New Zealand."

Alcock said there was no question of McCaw lacing-up his boots during his hiatus.

"Having said that, there is certainly no doubt a question that in that period he may do some rare promotional events for his sponsors but that would be rare.

"If, for example, he is on the other side of the world he may attend a conference in Germany for adidas.

"But I can't emphasise enough there is no intention for him to go away and work."

The sabbatical is also to let the 31-year-old rest his body after over a decade of professional rugby.

Since McCaw led the All Blacks to their World Cup win, Alcock's office has been inundated by requests for the openside flanker's time - including marriage proposals.

"There is only so much Richie can do and I think he does find it hard to say ‘no'.

"I personally think it is starting to wear him out a little bit."

Completing meals in restaurants without being interrupted by fans has become rare and recently there was the story of an Auckland bus driver who stopped in the road so he could jump out and photograph McCaw.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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