Key and Hollande talk rugby

Prime Minister John Key and French President Francois Hollande at breakfast. Photo / Claire Trevett

Prime Minister John Key and French President Francois Hollande kicked off their talks this morning with a few jokes about France taking New Zealand rugby players, and Mr Key's daughter, Steffi.

Image 1 of 14: US president Barack Obama, centre, with European leaders discussing transatlantic trade and the situation in Ukraine. Photo / AP

Mr Hollande and Mr Key met for a quick breakfast of croissants and pastries in the hotel both are staying at.

The pair joked that during the G20 both countries had beaten host country Australia in rugby league for New Zealand and rugby for the French Les Bleus team.

Mr Key suggested they should raise it with Australia PM Tony Abbott. "You'll have to give Tony Abbott a hard time today - its a great time to do it."

Mr Hollande also jokingly observed New Zealand was exporting good rugby players to play for French teams.

"Thank you to New Zealand for giving us your best players. There are plenty of them."
Mr Key replied that France appeared to be a popular place for New Zealand rugby players.

He said it had also lured his daughter Steffi, who was studying art in Paris.

"She's not coming home. She's got a French boyfriend." The pair laughed, and Mr Key added, "so the chance of getting her back is very low."

After the meeting, Mr Key and Mr Hollande will return to the G20 summit meetings - the meeting is due to issue the leaders' communique this afternoon, focusing on economic growth goals and a commitment to deal with ebola.