White House Scrambles To Correct After Biden Confuses Rugby Team With Paramilitary Group

President Joe Biden found himself in hot water during his Irish visit after confusing New Zealand’s famous national rugby team — the All Blacks — with a violent Irish paramilitary group known as the Black and Tans. His gaffe was made during an appearance at the Windsor Pub in Dundalk when he mentioned receiving a shamrock-patterned tie from an “alleged” rugby player who beat the “hell out of the Black and Tans.” White House officials later corrected the misunderstanding and stressed that the President had intended to honor the All Blacks. While Biden is known for making verbal missteps, this mistake has caused controversy due to the history of the Black and Tans in Ireland’s fight for independence, and it could harm his relationship with the British. Irish comedian Oliver Callan joked on Twitter, remarking that Biden had given Ireland the “signature gaffe” they had been hoping for on this visit.

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