Munster and Ireland legend Keith Earls burst onto the scene as a teen superstar in 2008.
Winning a Heineken Cup with Munster, Earls is the last of what was considered Munster Rugby’s golden generation.
Whilst Munster have failed to reach the heights of the mid-2000s in terms of silverware, Earls has remained exceptional throughout all of the near misses and tough seasons.
In a rather poetic way, the now 35-year-old ended his days with Munster as a key contributor to their heroic run to a United Rugby Championship final.
Defeating the reigning champion DHL Stormers in Cape Town, Munster and Earls did things the hard way by going on the road for the full playoff series defeating both Glasgow and Leinster en route to the final.
Today marked yet another special day for Earls in what is believed to be his final season as he made his 100th appearance for Ireland in front of his home fans at the Aviva Stadium.
Running out to raucous cheers with his three daughters, Earls got the send-off much hope for, but few get.
I’m not crying, you are.
ADVERTISEMENTWhat an icon of the Irish game.
Well done Keith Earls, nobody deserves it more.#IREvENG pic.twitter.com/aLxxmWSMIu
— Philip Bendon (@PBendon) August 19, 2023
Coming onto the pitch with fifteen minutes to play, Earls was greeted with an even louder cheer.
Just as everyone felt the Aviva Stadium couldn’t get any louder, Earls closed out Ireland’s dominant victory over England with a late try in the corner.
As if written and conducted by a Hollywood director, Earls will remember his day in the sun and will hope to hear his name called when Andy Farrell announces his Rugby World Cup squad.
Bravo, Keith Earls, on what has been a sensational career.
It had to happen!
Bravo Keith Earls, 100 not out!#IREvENG #SummerNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/0I8gpd240e
— Philip Bendon (@PBendon) August 19, 2023
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