Former All Black great Richie McCaw has announced he will be competing in his fourth GODZone event next week in Wānaka.

The tough expedition-style event will be celebrating its tenth anniversary from 3 – 12 March, with a remote course taking competitors from one side of the South Island to the other.

McCaw says he is looking forward to the challenge.

"GODZone represents the ultimate New Zealand adventure that over a five-to-seven-day period absolutely tests you both physically and mentally."

"The opportunity to race down in the South Island again is really appealing – particularly because it's the tenth chapter which should be iconic."

McCaw and teammates compete in a previous GODZone event. Photo: Supplied

McCaw raced Chapter 9 of GODZone in Rotorua last year, coming in second place alongside teammates and Coast-to-Coast champions Dougal Allan, Simone Maier, and Theo Wordsworth.

This year he is back with fellow multisport teammate RugbyPlayers Association CEO Rob Nichol and Wānaka athletes Jo Williams and Tim Sikma.

"Unfortunately, Rob did not get to race in Rotorua last year due to a Covid lockdown in Auckland, so it will be great to be back together along with Jo and Tim, who we have not raced with before,” says McCaw.

"I like taking on this particular adventure challenge, where team dynamics are so important in everyone getting to the finish line.”

The group will race as TEAM iSPORT to support McCaw and Dan Carter's foundation that inspires and removes barriers for youth to be involved in sport. 

Richie McCaw says, "I am really passionate about our iSPORT initiatives that remove barriers for youth in sport. All kids deserve the opportunity to pursue their sporting aspirations and get the personal growth and sense of achievement from that, so I'm excited that the team will be giving 100% to support our cause."

The field of 90+ teams competing at GODZone arrive in Wanaka next Thursday for the Chapter 10 official team registration and gear check.