Henry (right) says everybody in the All Blacks respects Keane

New Zealand rugby union coach Graham Henry says Sunderland football manager Roy Keane has been a cheerful presence during his time with the All Blacks.

Ex-Republic of Ireland and Manchester United star Keane is spending a week with the rugby team in the build-up to their Test against Ireland on Saturday.

Keane has hooked up with the All Blacks as part of his Uefa Pro Licence coaching course.

"Roy has been great. Great to talk to, very bubbly," said Henry.

A notably belligerent player, who was sent home from the 2002 World Cup after abusing then-Republic boss Mick McCarthy, Keane has been a more reserved figure on the touchline.

New Zealand and Wellington Phoenix football coach Ricki Herbert, who is also working towards his Pro Licence, arranged for the pair to spend time with the All Blacks.

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"Richie (New Zealand rugby captain Richie McCaw) had lunch with him today. I don't think they chatted about leadership at all but they chatted about their experiences," stated Henry.

"Roy has got a few of those, which are good to listen to, and it's good to have a guy of his esteem in the group that he can share some experiences with.

"Everybody knows him and respects him for what he has done in sport and it's great that he chose, along with Ricki Herbert, to be here with the All Blacks as part of their requirements for their final coaching certificate in football."

Henry also revealed that he and Keane shared an opinion common to both football and rugby.

"We have probably got similar views (on refs)," joked Henry.

Keane was born in the Irish province of Munster, who were crowned rugby union's champions of Europe when they won the 2008 Heineken Cup on 24 May.