How did the world find out Richie McCaw had been pilfered?

Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and New Zealand hockey player Gemma Flynn can be seen holding hands for the first time since tying the knot in a photo released by the rugby star.

Posting to his Facebook page, McCaw wrote: "Awesome to wake up on our first day as Mr and Mrs McCaw."

McCaw and Flynn had earlier outplayed the media on Saturday as they held their wedding ceremony away from prying eyes at The Olive Grove, a venue near Wanaka on New Zealand's south island.

They are understood to have done a deal with a women's magazine to cover the wedding exclusively.

Security was tight as the airspace over the venue was shut down.

Under McCaw's captaincy, the All Blacks became the first team to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups.