Munster stalwart Earls signs new deal

Long-serving wing Keith Earls has signed a new deal that will keep him at Munster until June 2021.

Earls has scored 47 tries in 154 appearances for Munster since graduating from the Pro14 team's academy.

The 31-year-old has won 70 caps for Ireland in a 10-year international career, scoring 27 tries for his country. He started every game in the 2018 Six Nations as Joe Schmidt's side secured Grand Slam glory.

Earls is set to add to his tally of Test appearances after putting pen to paper on another Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] contract - and has given a strong indication he will see out his career with Munster.

"It would be hard to see me playing anywhere else. I'm delighted to have re-signed for a further two years." said Earls.

"My family and I are thrilled and I’m looking forward to the future with Munster and Ireland."

IRFU performance director David Nucifora said: "Keith had a tough run of injuries which ruled him out of the national team successes enjoyed in 2014 and 2015 but he has demonstrated his strength of character and star quality to return and perform at such a consistently high level on the international stage.

"He illustrated his leadership qualities on the summer tour to the US and Japan where he played a key role in the development of a number of younger players. We are delighted that Keith will continue his career in Ireland."