Richie McCaw, the legendary retired New Zealand rugby player, has been enjoying a happy marriage to his wife, Gemma McCaw, since 2017.

Their love story began in January 2013 when reports surfaced that Richie had been in a relationship with Gemma, a talented hockey player, for the past six months. However, the details of their initial encounter and the exact timeline of their romance remain a mystery. 

The couple revealed they have started a new chapter in their life when McCaw took to Facebook on January 12, 2016, to announce their engagement. 

Richie McCaw with his wife Gemma McCaw. (Source: Instagram)

In his post, he shared, “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.” 

The pair exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony on January 14, 2017, marking the commencement of a new chapter in their lives as a married couple.

Meet Richie McCaw’s wife Gemma McCaw

Gemma, formerly Gemma Flynn, is a talented New Zealand field hockey player, making significant strides in her career while proudly representing her nation on the international stage. 

Born on May 2, 1990, in the vibrant city of Tauranga, Gemma is the youngest child and the sole daughter of her parents, Rob Flynn and Michelle Flynn. 

Proudly embracing her Māori descent, she affiliates with the Te Arawa iwi, connecting deeply with her cultural roots. 

Speaking of her educational background, she attended Tauranga Intermediate School and Tauranga Girls’ College. As she advanced in her academic pursuits, Gemma pursued sports science at Massey University.

Richie McCaw’s wife Gemma McCaw is a hockey player

Gemma is a professional hockey player, who competed for the New Zealand women’s national field hockey team, known as the Black Sticks Women, since 2008. 

Her impressive career includes notable appearances at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, as well as the 2016 Summer Olympics, despite her team missing out on the bronze medal in both 2012 and 2016 and thus coming fourth.

Despite the setbacks in the Olympic competitions, Gemma’s journey reached a turning point following the 2016 Summer Olympics when she decided to take an extended break from hockey, signaling a temporary pause in her illustrious career. 

However, she made a comeback in November 2019. Just a few months later, in February 2020, she achieved a remarkable milestone, earning her 250th cap for the national team.

The hockey player had planned to compete in the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2020; however, she chose against it because of the COVID-19 pandemic delays.

Beyond the hockey field, she has been actively involved in various initiatives and campaigns. Notably, she played a prominent role alongside other celebrities such as Luuka Jones, Kane Williamson, Ria Hall, and Tiki Taane in the Bay of Plenty’s No Place Like Home tourist campaign, launched on January 25, 2016. 

Moreover, she has also been an ambassador for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation since October 2016 and also serves as a Sport New Zealand ambassador.

Richie McCaw and his wife Gemma McCaw share three children

Richie and his wife Gemma are the proud parents of three children, all beautiful daughters. They recently welcomed their third daughter Ella Mae McCaw on April 3, 2023. 

The pair shared the pregnancy news on September 30, 2022, through an Instagram post, exclaiming their excitement about expecting their third child. 

Fast forward to April 2023, in a heartwarming Instagram post, the couple introduced their newborn to the world, expressing their delight in the newfound moments as a family of five. 

The pair wrote, “Meet our new baby girl, Ella Mae McCaw she was born on 3.4.23 weighing 7lb 10 oz and we are enjoying these precious moments as a family of 5,” accompanied by the picture of Richie with his newborn.

Grace, their second daughter, was welcomed into the world in May 2021, while Charlotte, the eldest, was born in December 2018. 

The mother of three, Gemma has been candid about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her passion for the sport. 

In an interview with Newstalk ZB in November 2019 via nzherald, Gemma shared her inner conflict and the sense of “unfinished business” that led her back to the field. 

She recounted a pivotal moment when, four months after Charlotte’s birth, she played in a club hockey game, rekindling her passion for the sport. 

Gemma went on to describe how this experience fueled her desire to play at a high level again, ultimately leading her to compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Australian League. 

A look at Richie McCaw’s legendary career

Despite having only played seventeen matches for Canterbury at the age of 20, Richie caught the attention of John Mitchell, the new All-Black coach, who selected him for the 2001 end-of-year tour to Ireland, Scotland, and Argentina. 

The decision faced criticism, with former All-Black Josh Kronfeld expressing disbelief at picking players based on one NPC season. However, Richie quickly silenced doubters in his debut international test against Ireland at Lansdowne Road. 

Despite a knock-on in his first touch and a halftime deficit, the All Blacks rallied in the second half to win 40–29, with Richie named man of the match. 

In the lead-up to the 2003 World Cup, he played a crucial role for Canterbury, the Crusaders, and the All Blacks. The Tri-Nations title was retained, and the Bledisloe Cup returned to New Zealand after a victory against Australia. 

His impressive performance earned him a spot in the 2003 World Cup squad, where New Zealand won all their pool games but suffered an upset defeat to Australia in the semi-finals. 

While the Crusaders finished as Super 12 runner-ups in 2004, the now-retired player faced injuries and had to withdraw from matches. However, he returned to captain Canterbury and led the All Blacks in the end-of-season tour. 

In 2005, Richie overcame head injuries to captain the All Blacks in a successful Grand Slam tour, defeating all four home nations. Despite his injury concerns, his exceptional performances led to his nomination for the 2005 IRB International Player of the Year.

In 2006, at the age of 25, he was named captain of the All Blacks. Under his captaincy, New Zealand emerged as the 2006 Tri-Nations champions and retained the Bledisloe Cup. 

The success continued with victories against England, France, and Wales on the European tour. McCaw’s outstanding contributions earned him the 2006 IRB International Player of the Year award.

The 2007 World Cup brought both glory and heartbreak for Richie. While the All Blacks comfortably progressed through the pool stage, they faced an unexpected defeat to France in the quarter-finals, resulting in New Zealand’s earliest exit from a World Cup. 

In 2008, he led the All Blacks to a remarkable season, winning every test he captained and reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking. 

Moreover, he guided the All Blacks to triumphs in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, lifting the Webb Ellis trophy after a nail-biting final against France. 

Under coach Steve Hansen, the All Blacks achieved a 100% winning record in the Rugby Championship and won the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with Richie captaining the team for the record-breaking 13th time in a World Cup match. 

American professional basketball player Bam Adebayo has been actively involved in the sport for nearly a decade, which has made his fans curious about his personal life, especially his dating life.

To address the curiosity of fans, Adebayo does not seem to be romantically involved with anyone. He is a very private person, and he has not shared any glimpses of his dating life in public.

However, rumors were claiming that Adebayo had secretly tied the knot; but these speculations were later proven to be baseless and fake. There is not a single piece of evidence supporting any claims of his marriage.

Even a thorough examination of his Instagram profile reveals no pictures indicating that he is in a relationship. The majority of the content on his feed is related to his career, demonstrating his current focus on his NBA journey.

Adebayo is currently committed to developing his basketball skills and is directing all his attention toward becoming an NBA star.

Bam Adebayo’s dating history

Similar to Adebayo’s current dating status, there is no recorded history of him being in a public relationship. He has also not been linked to any well-known personality to this date.

However, in 2021, the basketball player was spotted watching a game with three girls who appeared to be quite comfortable around him. Despite them enjoying each other’s company, fans found a way to playfully tease him and his companions.

One person tweeted, “Shiiit, no wonder he’s been playing like a man possessed…ol girl is a slump buster that’ll last a career right there.”

Similarly, another said, “Man ok, on the surface this is funny AF! Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age, but damn I feel bad for that poor girl! Everyone is roasting him but primarily at her expense! I’d be so pissed if that was my sister or daughter getting dragged through the mud to trust him.”

Amid these comments, some individuals stepped forward to defend the girls and criticize those who engaged in making fun of people’s appearances. Despite the widespread online discussions about Adebayo being seen with girls, he chose to remain silent on the situation.

Inside Bam Adebayo’s family background

Adebayo was born in Newark, New Jersey, to a Nigerian Yoruba father, John Adebayo, and an African-American mother, Marilyn Blout.

As a child, his mother gave him the nickname Bam Bam after a memorable incident at the age of one when he flipped over a coffee table while watching The Flintstones, resembling the show’s character Bamm-Bamm Rubble.

After his parents’ separation, his mother raised him in Newark. Later, when he turned seven, the NBA player moved with his mother to North Carolina, marking a significant chapter in his life. Unfortunately, this relocation resulted in limited interactions with his father.

The physical distance and lack of connection with his father during his formative years led Adebayo to harbor resentment toward his last name and Nigerian heritage.

Later, when Adebayo reached the age of 16, he actively embarked on a journey to learn more about his Nigerian background. Over time, he has not only reconciled with his heritage but has actively chosen to celebrate and incorporate it into his identity.

However, tragically, the basketball player’s father passed away in 2020 while peacefully residing in Nigeria. Now, he is left with the love and support of his mother alone.

Adebayo has openly shared numerous special moments with his mother on his Instagram, showcasing the close bond and affection they share. On February 20, 2020, he shared a heartfelt picture where he stood beside his mother, who was proudly holding his trophy.

Alongside the post, he captioned, “The bond between mother and son is a special one. It remains unchanged by time or distance. It is the purest love—unconditional and true. It’s understanding of any situation and forgiving of any mistake.”

Similarly, on December 7, 2021, the NBA player shared a delightful picture featuring him and his mother relaxing on a boat. Accompanying the post was a touching caption, “Sons may turn into men, and grow out of their toys, but in the hearts of their mothers, they are still little boys.”

He continued, “Happy Birthday to the woman that made me… me! You’re still the greatest I’ve ever seen do this sh*t called life.”

Upon seeing the post, numerous fans and followers flooded the comments section with expressions of admiration for the heartwarming bond between the NBA player and his mother.

One person expressed, “So cute!!!! As a mommy, I melt seeing the way you treat her. As a daughter, I miss more than everything having these moments with my amazing mommy!’”

Brief on Bam Adebayo’s career

Adebayo displayed a keen interest in basketball from an early age. His journey in the professional realm began on June 22, 2017, when he was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Miami Heat.

The following year saw notable highlights in his career, including a standout performance with a career-high 21 rebounds and 16 points in a 125–115 loss against the Toronto Raptors. Further showcasing his skills, he recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds in a 115–98 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Likewise, on December 10, 2019, the NBA player achieved a significant milestone by recording his first career triple-double with a career-high 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a thrilling 135–121 overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks.

Bam Adebayo has harbored a passion for basketball since his childhood. (Source: Instagram)

In the same month, Adebayo earned the title of Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the games played from December 9 to 15. During this period, he averaged an impressive 20.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game.

In 2022, the basketball player continued to shine as he tied his season high with 38 points on 12-of-16 shooting from the field and a perfect 14-of-14 from the free-throw line in a 116–111 win over the Indiana Pacers.

The momentum carried into November 6, 2023, when Adebayo delivered another outstanding performance, securing a triple-double with 22 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, accompanied by two steals and two blocks in a thrilling 108–107 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The love story between Steven Adams, who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, and his girlfriend Kayla Kiriau, who is also a basketball player, unfolded when they met in New Zealand.

Both hailing from the same homeland, New Zealand, the two pair’s paths converged in the gymnasiums creating a bond that transcended the boundaries of mere sports camaraderie.

The specifics of their first encounter are still unknown, but there is no denying that the pair had a strong emotional bond that developed from a mutual admiration for one other’s athletic ability.

Their relationship, discreetly cultivated away from the public eye, extended beyond the realms of romance, embodying a supportive partnership built on shared experiences as professional athletes.

Meet Steven Adams’ girlfriend Kayla Kiriau

The NBA player Steven’s girlfriend Kayla Kiriau was born on June 15, 1993, in New Zealand. From an early age, she developed an interest in basketball. Growing up in a sports-driven family, it’s no surprise that she found herself immersed in the world of athletics. 

Steven Adams. (Source: Instagram)

It wasn’t long before her basketball skills garnered attention, leading her on an overseas adventure to the basketball courts of Sheridan College and, later, Point Park University.

Her time at Sheridan College set the stage, but her real brilliance came at Point Park University. She plays point guard for Point Park University. She became a vital member of the team thanks to her court vision and leadership abilities.

Beyond the spotlight, she is known for her warm personality, charisma, and genuine passion for community service. 

Steven Adams has a large family — A look at his early life

Steven was born on July 20, 1993, in Rotorua, New Zealand, to a Tongan mother and an English father named Sid Adams. His father served as a Royal Navy veteran from Bristol and settled in New Zealand, fathering 18 children with five women. 

His brothers, Warren and Sid Jr. ventured into the New Zealand National Basketball League, while his sister, Gabriella Adams-Gavet, proudly represented the New Zealand national basketball team. 

However, the untimely demise of their father due to stomach cancer when Steven was just 13 years old, left a void that significantly impacted his life. 

Steven has identified his father’s death as a defining moment, acknowledging the absence of parental guidance as he navigated his teenage years. 

In the aftermath, Blossom Cameron, recognizing Steven’s potential and rescuing him from the streets of Rotorua, assumed legal guardianship. Cameron, along with basketball legend Kenny McFadden, became pivotal figures in Steven’s life, offering guidance and mentorship.

Despite the challenges of losing his father at a young age, Steven found solace and support within his extended family and mentors like Cameron and McFadden. 

McFadden accepted him in his basketball academy while Cameron enrolled him in Scots College in Wellington. Under McFadden’s mentorship, he not only honed his basketball skills but also thrived academically, eventually graduating from Scots in December 2011.

Steven Adams went to Notre Dame Preparatory School

Steven attended Notre Dame Preparatory School, a renowned basketball prep school in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, for one semester after receiving his degree from Scots College in December 2011. 

It was arranged just to give him time to get used to playing basketball in America before he enrolled at Pittsburgh in June 2012.

During his only season at Pittsburgh, he won Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year and Big East All-Rookie Team honors.

In the 2012–13 season, he started all 32 games and finished with averages of 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. In April 2013, he declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.

Steven Adams first joined NBL before his 2013 NBA draft

In 2011, Steven started on his professional basketball journey with the Wellington Saints of the National Basketball League (NBL) in New Zealand, playing 15 games and averaging 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. 

Despite going unpaid to maintain his college eligibility, he made significant contributions and was named the New Zealand NBL Rookie of the Year, ultimately helping the Saints secure the championship. 

In 2013, Steven was selected with the 12th overall pick in the NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He quickly made his mark in the NBA, recording a memorable debut in October 2013 and earning recognition for his performance throughout the season. 

His contributions were particularly notable in the playoffs, where he played a crucial role in the Thunder’s journey to the Western Conference Finals. In 2016, he signed a lucrative four-year, $100 million contract extension.

In 2020, Steven began a new chapter in his career, being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. On March 4, 2021, he scored a season-high 15 points in a 103–93 loss to the Miami Heat.

In August 2021, he joined the Memphis Grizzlies, delivering standout performances and earning a contract extension in October 2022. Unfortunately, his journey faced a setback when he suffered a right knee injury in January 2023, leading to his absence from the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.