All Blacks arrive at Heathrow Airport as Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and company return home with Webb Ellis Cup

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New Zealand's World Cup heroes are finally beginning their long journey home after a hard-fought seven-week campaign to retain the Webb Ellis Cup.

The All Blacks arrived at Heathrow Airport on Monday still on a high from their 34-17 rout of Australia in Saturday's Final at Twickenham, which was followed by individual accolades for the likes of Dan Carter - who was named World Player of the Year on Sunday.

Captain Richie McCaw lead the players into the airport as fans waved New Zealand flags and cheered their heroes who became the first team to win the trophy at consecutive tournaments.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw (centre) leads his team into the Heathrow Airport as they travel home 

Keven Mealamu (left) poses for a selfie with a fan whilst holding the Webb Ellis Cup

World Player of the Year Dan Carter clutches the Webb Ellis cup as he sits at the back of the All Blacks bus

All Blacks collect their bags from the team coach after arriving at the airport as they head for New Zealand

Hooker Keven Mealamu carried the Webb Ellis Cup proudly through the airport before presumably slipping it into his hand luggage. 

For many of the players the long flight back will be a chance to reflect on their careers, with the likes of Carter, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu and Keven Mealamu all set to bow out on the international stage and record appearance maker McCaw also likely to announce his retirement shortly.

Carter summed up the mood after their achievements in an exclusive interview with Sportsmail's Martin Samuel. 

‘Every time you put on that All Black jersey you want to add to what is an amazing legacy — a side that is known all around the world,' Carter said. 

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen gets off the team bus at Heathrow after leading his team to glory

Charlie Faumuina (centre) and his team-mates were met by fans with flags asking for autographs

Captain McCaw (centre) is photographed by a travelling rugby fan as he leads his team through the airport 

Tawera Kerr-Barlow walks ahead of his team-mates as everyone in the airline staff stop to take photos

‘That was my challenge, but I’d like to think I’ve done that with the career I’ve had, the performances over 13 years, the trophies, how many Tri-Nations, how many Bledisloe Cups, World Cups. 

'I’d like to think there’s a legacy, that I can walk away satisfied with what I achieved.’

The All Blacks enjoyed themselves in England, both on and off the field, posting selfies riding the tube and even at a One Direction concert.

They also captured the imagination of fans all over the world with moments like Sonny Bill Williams handing his medal to a young pitch invader.

But they'll mainly be remembered for their brand of Rugby on the field, which saw them dismantle France in one of the greatest ever Rugby World Cup performances.

With the golden era of New Zealand stars set to depart, the thoughts of the likes of Sam Cane, Joe Moody and Dane Coles on the way home could already be moving towards how they can repeat the trick in Japan in four years time.

Mealamu proudly carries the Webb Ellis cup through the airport as Carter smiles behind him