Ireland received a congratulatory call from US president Joe Biden after their incredible Autumn Nations Series victory over New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Andy Farrell’s men defeated the All Blacks 29-20, putting in a sublime performance to take down the world No.1 side for the third time in five encounters.
The All Blacks led 10-5 at half-time, but a terrific start to the second half led to tries from Rónan Kelleher and Caelan Doris to give Ireland a 17-10 lead, and the home favourites held on despite another try from the prolific Will Jordan.
Biden is said to be a big rugby fan, and one who is proud of his Irish routes having followed the team for many years, even travelling to Ireland in the 1970s to watch them.
He is also distantly related to former Ireland full-back Rob Kearney, who has visited the White House and was contacted by Biden in 2016 following Ireland’s historic first ever win over New Zealand in Chicago.
Before this Test against the All Blacks, who Biden also visited as vice-president in 2016, the president of the USA sent a letter to the Irish team.
It read: “Go spread the faith, I’ll be cheering for you.”
Biden previously revealed he played rugby himself, in the same position as his cousin Kearney, back in 1968 when studying at law school at the New York university.
President Biden continued his letter by referencing his distant relative’s triumph at Soldier Field, Ireland’s first victory over New Zealand in 111 years and added: “Since then, you’ve beaten the All Blacks again in 2018 and I know that you can do it again this year.
“As the Irish blessing says, wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you.
“My grandfather, Ambrose Finnegan, would always say, ‘Keep the faith,’ and then my Grandmother Blewitt would add, ‘No, spread it.’ So go spread the faith. I’ll be cheering for you.”
Following the match, Ireland shared an image of Biden video calling the Irish squad on social media with the caption: “Incredible to have @POTUS address the team after today’s win over the All Blacks!”
The US president also spoke to his Irish counterpart, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, to congratulate the Men in Green, saying: “Well done, I’m delighted for you.”
