'I love you my son': Sonny Bill and Alanah Williams reveal newborn baby son Essa

Sonny Bill Williams with his wife Alanah's newborn son Essa. Photo / Supplied

Kiwi sports star Sonny Bill Williams has posted a heartwarming photo of his and wife Alanah's newborn boy.

The former All Black took to Twitter today to post the photo of Essa, their fourth child, after his wife gave birth after recently returning to New Zealand from Canada.

"Essa Williams. May the most high bless you to grow up to be a pious, happy, caring and strong-willed man. I love you my son," Williams wrote.

Essa Williams. May the most high bless you to grow up to be a pious, happy, caring & strong willed man. I love you my son. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ly8MM45dRi

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) February 15, 2020

Within 30 minutes of posting, the photo had attracted over 1000 likes, and dozens of supportive messages.

"Congrats Sonny to you and the family. He's a beaut," said on Twitter user.

In another photo posted on Friday, Williams was holding the child in his arms while dressed in blue scrubs with a red hairnet while donning a large grin.

"Baby & mum are healthy and well. The stress levels aren't as high 4th time around, but the love we have for this child is the same."

Posted shortly after 1pm, within 10 minutes the post had already racked up more than 5000 likes.

Williams recently relocated to Canada after signing a contract with Super League team the Toronto Wolfpack.

Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah ! Baby & mum are healthy and well. The stress levels aren’t as high 4th time around, but the love we have for this child is the same. @lanamarieewilli I appreciate you my love ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5XJIWggKZw

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) February 14, 2020

However, he returned to New Zealand for the birth of his fourth child.

And several sports stars have congratulated the Williams family on the latest arrival.

"Congrats bro. Awesome news," wrote All Blacks loose-forward Sam Cane.

"Congrats to you and your family bro," said All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor.

Getting that skin to skin. ❤️🤲🏽 #myson pic.twitter.com/hfy2bIkuLB

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) February 14, 2020

Meanwhile, former NRL star Braith Anasta, All Blacks loose-forward Ardie Savea and former Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper posted heart emojis.