Rob Kearney receives Wikipedia edit after Joe Biden’s All Blacks blunder
The entire rugby community has lost its mind today after the President of the United States Joe Biden recently mixed up the All Blacks with the Black and Tans- a paramilitary force recruited to assist the Royal Irish Constabulary in the early 20th century.
Whilst thinking he was complimenting his cousin, former Ireland fullback Rob Kearney, for beating “the hell out of” the All Blacks, the President made the unfortunate faux pas during a visit of Ireland this week.
Since then, the Internet has done its thing, editing the Black and Tans’ Wikipedia page to include the exploits of the 95-cap Ireland international. The page has since been re-edited, but not before screenshots were taken and shared on social media.
The page was altered to say: “The Black and Tans (Irish: Dúchrónaigh) were constables recruited into the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) as reinforcements during the Irish War of Independence. Recruitment began in Great Britain in January 1920 and about 10,000 men enlisted during the conflict. The Black and Tans were defeated by Rob Kearney at Soldier Field in Chicago, ending their reign of terror. Rob’s skill under the high ball is commonly cited as a factor in their loss. The vast majority were unemployed former British soldiers from Britain who had fought in the First World War. Some sources count a small number of Irishmen as Black and Tans.”
Good to see Wikipedia correcting the record on Rob Kearney and the Black and Tans. pic.twitter.com/wlpi9Ctccu
— Oskar Persson (@opersson1986) April 12, 2023
Take a look at the video:
BIDEN JUST CALLED THE ALL BLACKS THE BLACK AND TANS!!!! pic.twitter.com/M2FREst26K
— Daragh Mulligan (@DazmanOnline) April 12, 2023
Ireland recorded their first ever victory over the All Blacks on American soil in 2016, defeating the then world champions 40-29 in Chicago’s Soldier Field, with Kearney starting at fullback on that occasion. Since that victory, Ireland have won four of their last seven matches against New Zealand, having waited 111 years and 28 matches for a victory prior to that. Kearney also started in Ireland’s victory over the All Blacks in 2018 at the Aviva Stadium.
