Proud McCaws share photos of wee Charlotte Rose

Former All Blacks captain and proud new dad Richie McCaw is all smiles as he holds his daughter in a newly released photograph.

The 38-year-old is pictured sitting with his wife, ex Black Sticks star Gemma McCaw, in front of a Christmas tree.

One of the rugby legend’s hands cups his wee girl, named Charlotte Rose, as she lies against dad’s chest while looking up towards her mum.

The photo is the first the couple have shared showing their little girl’s face and was posted on Gemma McCaw’s Instagram page last night.

It was accompanied with a message to their fans, which highlighted what made 2018 so significant for the sports couple.

“Happy New Year from our family to yours — 2018 was a very special year for us with the safe arrival of our beautiful baby girl,” the proud mum wrote. “Wishing everyone an abundance of health and happiness for the year ahead.”

A second photo shows the young family in a different pose outside, with mum holding their little girl as she gives Charlotte a tender kiss.

The McCaws announced the birth of their first child early last month.

In July, revealing their expected new arrival, Gemma McCaw posted a photo of three pairs of running shoes — a black pair of men’s shoes and a pair of women’s shoes, with a tiny pair of white and black adidas shoes between them.

She wrote at the time: “Rich and I are excited to announce that we are expecting our first baby later this year.”