Richie McCaw announced his retirement today following back to back World Cup wins.

Look back on All Blacks captain Richie McCaw's announcement of his retirement from professional rugby.

Word first came via Facebook moments before the official press conference, with McCaw posting it was time to "hang up his boots".

Recap on how his announcement from NZ Rugby HQ unfolded in the blog below. Extended coverage here.

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READ MORE:

* Richie McCaw 'hangs up his boots'

* Rugby road to greatness: Richie McCaw

* News feed: Jonah Lomu death

* Reason: McCaw, rugged to the roots

* Meet McCaw the Kurow kid: Richie as a boy

* McCaw debut: 'She was a hell of a game'



RICHIE MCCAW/ FACEBOOK Richie McCaw at NZ Rugby HQ ahead of announcing his retirement from professional rugby.

LIAM HYSLOP/ FAIRFAX NZ All Blacks captain Richie McCaw arrives at NZ Rugby HQ in Wellington for his big announcement.