Joe Biden has wished the Ireland rugby union team luck in their Grand Slam game against England in Dublin on Saturday. On Friday, St Patrick’s Day, Biden welcomed the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, to the White House for a traditional visit and talks.
At an official celebration, with Varadkar standing by, the president introduced the former Leinster, Ireland and Lions full-back Rob Kearney, among a group of distant Biden cousins. “I want to see you after this, pal,” Biden said, asking Kearney to stand up.
He added: “No offense to anyone but we know who we’re rooting for in the Grand Slam match between Ireland and England.” Biden and Kearney also shook hands.
The president also has English ancestors but he seems unlikely to be disappointed in his support for Ireland on Saturday. Coach Andy Farrell’s team are prohibitive favourites to beat England and win the Six Nations championship with a clean sweep of five wins from five games.