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The 36-year-old winger won his 100th cap for Ireland against England in August and played against Romania in the opening game of the World Cup, his final act in a green shirt.
Earls may have played a greater role in France had his hamstring not held him back, but he remained an important part of the squad until the end of the tournament.
His last moment for Munster was playing an important role as his beloved home province finally ended their 12-year wait for a trophy by beating the Stormers in Cape Town to claim the URC.
Earls was the last remaining player on the provinces’ books from their European successes, having been an unused replacement in the 2008 Heineken Cup final and he was part of the 2012 URC win too.
He became an Ireland international in the autumn of ‘08, scoring a try on his debut against Canada in Thomond Park and he went on to play a leading role for his country at the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups, winning the Grand Slams in 2018. He was named players’ player of the year at the end of Ireland’s incredible 2018 under Joe Schmidt.
Hailing from Moyross, Earls is son to Young Munster and Munster back-row Ger and was marked out for the top from early on. He fulfilled that potential, playing for Ireland at U-20, Sevens and XVs level and touring South Africa with the Lions in 2009.
He has opened up on his battles with mental health in recent years, outlining his struggle in his award winning book written with Tommy Conlon in 2021. He now runs a coffee business and it remains to be seen whether he’ll work in rugby again.
His retirement comes as no surprise given Farrell had to convince him to continue to this World Cup and the head coach clearly thought highly of the influential winger who scored 36 international tries and is second only to his old teammate Brian O’Driscoll on the all-time try-scorer list and is Ireland’s record World Cup try scorer with eight.
“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,” Farrell said in a statement.
“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.”
Earls issued a statement confirming his retirement in which he thanked his family, coaches and teammates.
“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,” Earls said in a statement.
“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.
“To all the coaches, teachers and volunteers who encouraged and guided me in Thomond, Garryowen and Young Munster and at school in St. Munchin’s College, I am indebted to you for your friendship and support over the years. Playing for Munster has given me some of the greatest days of my life.
“The victories, the heartaches, the camaraderie and the friendships with so many players, coaches and support staff over the years has positively impacted my life more than you will ever know.
“Being a Munster supporter growing up, before I even got the chance to pull on the jersey meant that I appreciated every moment to represent my province across my 202 appearances. I was so honoured to be a part of our URC success last season and I have no doubt that it will be a launchpad for the squad to soar even higher in the years to come.
“When I was young I never imagined I would get to represent my country once, never mind 101 times. Playing for Ireland meant the world to me and it has been an honour to pull on the jersey and represent our great nation.
“To all the Ireland coaches, players, support staff and supporters who have backed me throughout my career – thank you from the bottom of my heart. Finally, to my wife Edel, children Ella-May, Laurie and Emie – thank you for your unconditional love and support over the years. I couldn’t have made this journey without you.”
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