The Sunderland manager, famed for his fiery temper and direct style during his playing days, is spending the week with the New Zealand international rugby team as they prepare for Saturday's Test against Ireland in Wellington.

And the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland great appears to have found a new friend in All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

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

The Irishman is in New Zealand as part of his Uefa Pro Licence coaching course after New Zealand and Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert, who is also working towards his Pro Licence, arranged for the pair to spend time with the All Blacks.

"He has been great, great to talk to, very bubbly," said Henry. "Richie (New Zealand captain Richie McCaw) had lunch with him today, I don't think they chatted about leadership at all, but they chatted about their experiences.

"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."