Visiting Irish president honours Kiwi rugby great

The sporting bond between Ireland and New Zealand has been strengthened by a gift given in honour of a rugby great.

Visiting Irish president Michael Higgins presented New Zealand Rugby with a Waterford crystal bowl to remember Dave Gallaher- the Irish-born captain of the Original All Blacks 1905-06 tour of Britain, France, and North America.

Gallaher was killed during World War 1 at Passchendaele, a battle which had its 100-year commemorations earlier this month.

Handing over the bowl, Mr Higgins said the rugby relationship between New Zealand and Ireland was very deep.

"In terms of players, in terms of coaching, in terms of the supporters.

"I think, as well, the traffic has been in both directions, there have been people we've sent here, there are people whose skills training and expertise we've gained enormously from."

New Zealand Rugby president Maurice Trapp said many Kiwis saw Ireland as a team to support when the All Blacks were not playing.

"The ties between our rugby-loving nations go way, way, back and Dave Gallaher is obviously a prime example of that," he said.

Mr Higgins also congratulated the Black Ferns rugby team, who were recently crowned world champions in Ireland.

NZ/Ireland relationship 'thicker than blood' - PM-elect

The incoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met with Mr Higgins at Parliament this morning.

Ms Ardern welcomed him and expressed condolences for the destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Ophelia, which hit Ireland last week.

She also spoke of the close links between the countries, saying one-in-six New Zealanders have Irish ancestry.

"It's even thicker than blood.

"I think the strength of our relationship also is based on the fact that we are both independent, principled nations who take a strong stand on issues that I think often defies our size."