Baby boy for Dan and Honor Carter

Dan and Honor Carter welcomed a baby boy into the world on Thursday. Photo / Twitter.

New Zealand sporting superstar couple Dan and Honor Carter have announced the birth of their first child - a bouncing baby boy.

The All Black and his Black Sticks wife have named their son Marco James Carter.

He was born on Thursday.

"We're thrilled to announce the birth of our son, Marco James Carter, born 28th March, happy, healthy & handsome," they tweeted simultaneously yesterday on social media.

They also tweeted the first picture of their son - a black and white photo of Marco's tiny newborn hand gently held across the fingers of his parent's hand.

Dan Carter was out buying supplies for his newborn son at Christchurch's Merivale Mall yesterday. He sent his best wishes to cricketer Jesse Ryder, who was assaulted nearby, and expressed shock that such a violent incident would happen in his neighbourhood.

The first five-eighth told the Herald on Sunday: "It's shocking what has happened to Jesse and my thoughts are with him and his family.

"Whenever something like this happens it's tragic. I wouldn't wish it on anyone."

Casey Williams, the pregnant wife of fellow All Black Ali Williams, is also due to give birth. Last night Williams was in Tauranga, watching her husband captain the Blues against the Chiefs.

Carter elected to stay at home for the birth of his first child and miss the Crusaders' Super Rugby trip to South Africa, saying he was gutted not to travel with the team but was looking forward to fatherhood.

Messages of congratulations flowed in from past and present teammates of the new parents yesterday.

Black Sticks striker Gemma Flynn tweeted: "Congrats Honor, cute pic & very exciting news."

And All Black Jarrad Hoeata wrote: "Awesome news bonz hope your both doing well xo."