Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read says the team’s semi-final exit at the 2019 World Cup won’t keep him up at night when reflecting on his 14-year rugby career.

Read was on Monday made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and used to opportunity to reflect on his career.

The 34-year-old ended his 11-year Test career after New Zealand’s exit at the semi-final stage to England during the 2019 World Cup.

ALSO READ: Sunwolves’ Super Rugby journey ended 

However, in an interview with Stuff.co.nz, Read said that would not be something that haunts him and it was just something that was part and parcel of being a rugby player.

‘Not at all. It is certainly something you have little reflections on, going over the what ifs a little,’ Read said. ‘But, hey, it can’t be changed. It’s a tough game to be a part of and it doesn’t always go your way.

‘There can only be one little thing that is just off and it’s expanded on a world stage and a big occasion. It was still a great time and looking back some of my best times as an All Black even though it wasn’t as successful as the others. It’s all part of your journey.’

The two-time World Cup winner also tasted glory on the domestic front with four Vodacom Super Rugby titles for the Crusaders.

He added that it is the experiences more than the silverware he is grateful for.

‘The World Cups stand out, but I look at the experiences I’ve had, the trips to South Africa with the Crusaders or end-of-year tours where you got to travel around, go to Vatican City, and things you would never have done if you weren’t living this life.

‘I will probably hold on to those memories a lot more than the medals and things like that.’

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix