Political leaders hail historic Irish rugby series win over All Blacks

Political leaders have congratulated the Irish rugby team for their historic series victory over New Zealand.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the 32-22 victory over the All Blacks on Saturday, which gave the Irish side their first ever series win in New Zealand, had given the entire nation a “huge lift”.

President Michael D Higgins said the victory was an “outstanding and historic achievement”.

Extraordinary, sensational and breathless victory by @IrishRugby over the All Blacks.

This achievement will live long in history – a first test series win, and New Zealand’s first series defeat on home soil since 1994.

A huge lift for the entire nation this morning.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 16, 2022

The president tweeted after the match in Wellington: “As President of Ireland, may I congratulate the Irish rugby team, led by their captain Johnny Sexton, on their outstanding and historic achievement today.”

Mr Martin added: “Extraordinary, sensational and breathless victory by @IrishRugby over the All Blacks.

“This achievement will live long in history – a first test series win, and New Zealand’s first series defeat on home soil since 1994.

“A huge lift for the entire nation this morning.”

Video: Eddie Jones relishes silencing critics with series-levelling win in Brisbane (Evening Standard)

Wayne Pivac on Six Nations and preparing for the World Cup

Eddie Jones: Scotland have got to cope with burden of being red-hot favourites

Wayne Pivac hails Wales’ Six Nations captain Dan Biggar’s ‘wealth of experience’

Reviewing the best sporting moments of 2021

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar tweeted: “Historic moment for Ireland in Aotearoa.”

Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand.