But just do not call him Sir.
Meads, who played 55 tests for the All Blacks, and was voted the player of the 20th century, told the Otago Daily Times today he would take the title of Sir.
Titles were abolished in 1999 but in March, Prime Minister John Key announced they would be reinstated from July for the people made principal or distinguished companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit since 2000.
Meads was made a distinguished companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2000.
The former lock and loose forward, now 72, said it was not an easy decision to take the title, and he had to consult his wife Vera, and other members of the family.
"I think of my great friends and guys who I have played under like Sir Wilson Whineray and Sir Brian Lochore.
But they were perfect gentlemen while I was a bit rougher," he said.
"It was a harder decision that I thought. But just don't call me Sir. All my mates say they won't call me Sir, and I don't want them to."
Meads and his wife have just left their farm after more than 50 years to move into the Te Kuiti township, and Meads said it was a different life in town, though he did not have to do as much work.
