All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will finish his rugby career in New Zealand but before he thinks about a retirement date he wants to enjoy the Investec Super Rugby campaign

It was likely he would not play next year but he was not making that decision yet.

McCaw said at Crusaders training on Thursday that he had always said he wouldn't be looking overseas at the end of his career and nothing had changed his view.

"Honestly, I haven't made any final decisions but probably the likelihood is I'm not going to be playing next year. But I don't want to be getting carried away now talking about those sorts of things when I am focusing about playing.

"I want to really enjoy this year but, as I say, that's the likelihood and I don't want to make any big announcements because I don't think that would be right going into a season."

McCaw said he wasn't putting any deadline on his decision because it didn't change anything and he didn't think it was necessary.

In response to claims that he was forgoing some significant payments for playing overseas, he said it was a case of asking himself why he played the game?

"Everyone is motivated a bit differently and I've always said that is not the No.1 motivation. Obviously, it is nice to play and get well looked after because of that but I've always said that if I was enjoying it and wanted to carry on playing then I would play here.

"If I'm not enjoying it and decide I've got to go off just play to earn some cash I think that would be pretty tough," he said.

The thought did prick interest at times but he said it was a case of staying true to himself and what he enjoyed. He didn't begrudge players who made a different choice.

He said he was feeling fine and that was why he was looking forward to the Super Rugby season.

"When you're feeling good and excited about contributing, that's why you play the game and that's why you hesitate talking about what is happening down the track. I want to enjoy now and I think as you get older you do really focus on what you can do in the next game and the next campaign," he said.