Six Nations: Ghost of Irish sporting past Thierry Henry gives France pre-Ireland pep talk 

Henry visited the French camp prior to this weekend's meeting with Ireland in Dublin. 

Thierry Henry with the French rugby squad. Pic: France Rugby / X

Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry was a guest in the French rugby camp over the weekend, prior to their upcoming Six Nations bout with Ireland.

France head coach Fabien Galthié who, like his Irish counterparts, often welcomes sporting icons from different codes into camp on off weeks, invited Henry into the inner French circle on Sunday night to speak to his squad prior to the crucial Six Nations clash at Dublin's Aviva Stadium this Saturday. 

Ireland, having secured a Triple Crown against Wales last time out, need to take care of business against France, and then Italy, in order to secure another Grand Slam.

"Last night, a French football legend, 1998 World Champion and 2024 Olympic Vice-Champion, honored us with his presence," a French rugby statement read, accompanied by a picture of Henry with Antoine Dupont and the rest of the squad. 

"Thank you Mr. Thierry Henry for these inspiring moments of sharing."

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The significance of a visit from Henry before such a defining Six Nations clash is the history that Henry has in relation to Irish sport. 

47-year-old Henry - capped 123 times at international level - has been seen as quite the villain in sporting circles and to fans of the Republic of Ireland for his role in the country failing to reach the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

After France had won the first leg of the World Cup play-off 1-0 in Dublin and drew 1-1 in the second leg at Stade de France, securing qualification for the finals.  

However, William Gallas' goal in extra time that sealed the victory came about as a result of Henry illegally keeping the ball in play with his hand.

2009: A video grab of the handball by France's Thierry Henry which directly led to France's equalising goal on the night and put them into a 2-1 lead in extra-time. Pict: RTE

Outrage at Henry, but mainly at the officials' failure to spot the handball was rife within the FAI, who campaigned for a replay or an allowance to be made for them to partake in the South Africa-based competition. 

Henry, in the aftermath of the 2009 fixture, said: “I shouldn’t have done that, but quite honestly it was just out of my control. 

“It’s true I regret it and that is why shortly afterwards I went to each Irish player to speak to them. After that we did not celebrate, not even in the dressing rooms.”