How did Richie McCaw propose?

gemflynnThere really is no better way to spend this special day and see the new year in?? #happynewyear #paradise william.roundsWhich one is Richie? :) https://www.instagram.com/p/_8qNu4Mj07/?

Was this the day Richie McCaw popped the question to long-time girlfriend Gemma Flynn?

As the former All Blacks captain enjoyed a relaxing New Year's Eve in the sun with his partner and family members, he has hinted the year also started with a marriage proposal.

On the last day of 2015, a sunkissed Flynn posted on Instagram: "There really is no better way to spend this special day and see the new year in #happynewyear #paradise."

Close friends replied wishing them a year where all their dreams would come true.

The rugby star's 35th birthday was the same day.

The couple made public their engagement on McCaw's Facebook page last night.

More than 6000 wellwishers the world over have posted comments to his page congratulating the pair on their pending nuptials.

View this post on Instagram

There really is no better way to spend this special day and see the new year in👌 #happynewyear #paradise

A post shared by Gemma McCaw (@gemflynn) on Dec 30, 2015 at 11:28pm PST

In a post on the All Blacks Facebook page New Zealand Rugby has reposted the official engagement snap of McCaw and Gemma Flynn with a short message celebrating the "great news".

"In case you missed it - he's off the market! In some great news from the holiday break Richie McCaw got engaged to his partner Gemma Flynn. Congratulations Richie and Gemma!"

In announcing the engagement, McCaw hinted the proposal was timed around January 1.

McCaw posted: "Happy new year to everyone. I've had a fantastic start to 2016 and feel very lucky. Gemma said 'yes'! It's been great celebrating our engagement with friends and family in sunny central Otago."