Prime Minister John Key has already offered Richie McCaw a knighthood once and been turned down.

Richie McCaw's knighthood is in the bag.

After being put on ice since the last Rugby World Cup, the offer of a knighthood to the All Black captain will be revived, it is understood.

McCaw was sounded out about a knighthood by Prime Minister John Key in 2011 but turned it down because it was not the right time.

Key said at the time McCaw had told him he would love to take it but did not feel it was appropriate while he was still playing.

Ahead of the 2011 World Cup Key told McCaw: You lose the Rugby World Cup and in my mind you will always be Richie McCaw, a great bloke.

"And you win the World Cup, it's 'Arise, Sir Richard'."

McCaw is widely expected to retire after leading New Zealand to two Rugby World Cup victories but remained coy about that prospect after Sunday's match.

But if he does hang up his boots, he could be knighted Sir Richie as early as the New Year.

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Key, who was at Twickenham for the historic match, was keeping his cards close to his chest when spoken to by reporters immediately after the match.

But senior Government sources said it was "safe to assume" that the offer of a knighthood will be extended to McCaw again.

The next honours list will be announced in the New Year.

Another who could be in line for an honour is All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, who is already a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry was knighted after the 2011 Rugby World Cup victory.

Five All Black captains have been knighted for their services to sport and either business, education or the community - Wilson Whineray, Brian Lochore, Colin Meads, John Graham and Fred Allen.