Keith Earls has today confirmed his retirement from rugby with immediate effect, bringing the curtain down on a stellar and inspirational career with Munster and Ireland.
The 36-year-old calls time on his 16-year professional career following Ireland's 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, during which Earls won his 101st Test cap in green.
The Limerick native finishes with 36 Test tries to his name, leaving him second only behind Brian O'Driscoll in Ireland's all-time try-scoring chart, while Earls scored 64 tries in 202 appearances for Munster.
Earls won his 100th cap against England at Aviva Stadium in August, leading the team out alongside his three daughters Ella-May, Laurie and Emie, before marking the occasion with a memorable try.
He made his Ireland debut 15 years previous, against Canada in 2008 at Thomond Park, where he scored just two minutes into his international career in green.
Earls would go on to become a legend of Irish Rugby, starting all of Ireland's matches during the 2018 Grand Slam-winning campaign and he most recently featured at his third Rugby World Cup having been involved in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions.
Commenting on his retirement, Earls said: "The game of rugby has given me so much and I feel privileged to have represented my home province Munster and Ireland over the course of my career.
"I have always tried to be a good friend and team-mate and give all of myself to the jersey, traits inherited from my parents Ger and Sandra and sister Jenny. While retirement is never an easy decision, now is the right time and I feel incredibly fortunate to go out on my own terms representing Ireland on the highest stage."
Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell said: "Keith Earls is a true legend of Irish rugby and it has been an enormous privilege to work with him over the last seven years. A gifted and committed outside back, Keith’s influence transcends his on-field achievements, of which there were many, both for Munster and Ireland.
"Keith was also a leader and an incredibly positive force and he will be missed. On behalf of the Ireland team and management, I would like to thank Keith for his contribution to the game and wish him, his wife Edel and their family the very best of luck with the next exciting chapter in their lives."
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