Paul Rouse: A Donegal man was essential to establishing rugby as New Zealand’s national sport

Dave Gallaher played a crucial role in the construction of his adopted country's national identity.

Irish President Michael D. Higgins and wife Sabina pose in front of the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup after being presented with a Black Ferns shirt during a presentation to New Zealand Rugby in memory of Dave Gallaher, captain of 'The Originals' at New Zealand Rugby House in 2017. Picture: Hagen Hopkins-Pool/Getty Images

The connections between Ireland and New Zealand are long and deep. They are rooted in a migration that is unparalleled in modern European history.

Some 10 million Irish people have emigrated over the past two centuries and more.