Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and ex-Black Sticks hockey star Gemma McCaw are expecting their first child.

The couple posted on social media on Friday night: "Rich and I are very excited to announce that we are expecting our first baby later this year #overthemoon #mcbaby"

They posted a tiny pair of Adidas running shoes, along with a men's and women's pair.

Congratulations from fans and celebs have been flooding in from across the country via social media.Gearing up for a match in London versus Australia on Sunday, Gemma McCaw's former Black Sticks teammates have posted their congratulations. "Congratulations Gemma and Richie!" the team said. 

Former Bachelor NZ star Matilda Rice commented: 'Yay!!! Exciting! Also this baby will be the best athlete NZ has ever seen with your guys genes. Congrats xxx."

Ex-Seven Sharp broadcaster Toni Street said in a comment below Gemma McCaw's Instagram post: "Yeeow! Best news Gem, so excited for you and Rich. 2018 is a great year to have babies."

Paralympic swimmer Sophie Pascoe also commented below the post, describing the news was amazing. 

Laura McGoldrick, who is also married to Black Cap Martin Guptill, said on Instagram: "Congratulations! What exciting news. It is the best!"

​The McCaws married in January 2017 in a top-secret ceremony in Wanaka. 

All Blacks legend McCaw, 37, retired from rugby after leading New Zealand to a second consecutive Rugby World Cup title in 2015, beating Australia 34-17 in the final in London.Gemma McCaw, nee Flynn, 28, retired from competitive hockey last October. 

She played 246 matches for New Zealand and scored 71 goals after making her international debut in 2008.

The hockey star won silver and bronze medals with New Zealand at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and Glasgow respectively.

Richie McCaw played a record 148 tests for the All Blacks and is the most capped rugby player of all time.

This week, he admitted he was content watching from the stands, but did miss playing with his Crusaders' team-mates in Super Rugby.

"There's a little bit [of me that misses it] that sits there, but you get past that and I just enjoy seeing the guys carry on and keeping the Crusaders top of the list.

"Part of you would like to be out there but I can't do that anymore. I just try to enjoy sitting and watching like everyone else."

Richie McCaw sits alongsied Sir Graham Henry as a patron of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation.

Article added: Saturday 28 July 2018