2023-10-17 17:12:06
By Le Figaro with AFP
Published 5 minutes ago, Updated now
Keith Earls will no longer wear the Ireland jersey. CLODAGH KILCOYNE / REUTERS
The Irish international with 101 caps announced the end of his career, three days after the elimination of the Clover XV from the 2023 World Cup.
As expected, Irish winger Keith Earls, 36, announced his retirement on Tuesday, three days after the elimination of the Clover XV from the Rugby World Cup, beaten by New Zealand (28-24). “Retirement is never an easy decision to make, but now is the right time and I feel incredibly lucky to be leaving representing Ireland at the highest level“, explained Earls in a press release from the Irish Federation.
A manager for Ireland, he ended his career with 101 caps and 36 tries, which places him second behind Brian O’Driscoll (46) in the history of the Irish selection. “When I was young, I never imagined representing my country once, let alone 101 times“, he added.
“A legend of Irish rugby” for Andy Farrell
«Rugby has given me so much and I feel privileged to have represented my province of Munster and Ireland in my career“, also said Earls, who played 202 matches and scored 64 tries for Munster, with whom he won the European Cup in 2008. Ireland manager Andy Farrell paid tribute to “a true legend of Irish rugby». «It has been a great privilege to work with him over the past seven years.», Underlined the coach in the same press release.
«The influence of Keith, a talented and committed winger, goes beyond his on-field exploits, of which there have been many, for both Munster and Ireland. Keith was also an incredibly positive leader and influence and will be missed“, Farrell said again. Earls made his last appearance with Ireland during the correction inflicted on Romania at the very start of the World Cup (82-8).
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