MUNSTER legend Keith Earls will be given the honour of his Test Century against England in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The milestone will see him join teammates Conor Murray (Garryowen), Johnny Sexton, and Cian Healy, as well as former internationals Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara, John Hayes (Shannon), Paul O’Connell (Young Munster), and Rory Best in the famed ‘100 Club’.
“Talking to Andy (Farrell) about if it does happen, he’s telling me ‘it’s not just another cap, you can’t have a normal week because it’s not a normal week’,” reflected Earls (35) to RTÉ.
“Talking to Cian Healy and Johnny (Sexton), I know Cian Healy tried to drown it out and not speak about it and it caught up with him before the game, all the emotion,” Earls, who began his storied career with Young Munster, said.
“I suppose in the last couple of years I was genuinely thinking every time I stepped onto the field it could the last time. So it’s great if it does happen at the weekend. I’d be extremely proud and privileged to join a unique group.
“I’ve said it before, I’ve enjoyed my journey since my 50th cap, the whole way to now with Ireland. I wish I was a bit more relaxed when I was younger about it but if it happens I will enjoy this one,” Earls concluded.
Earls made his debut for Ireland in November 2008 against Canada in Thomond Park.
A product of St Munchin’s College and Thomond, the 5’ 10” winger has made over 200 appearances for Munster (2007 – present), during which his points haul has reached 320.
In April, Earls suffered what some feared was a career-ending groin injury only to bounce back and feature with soon-to-be United Rugby Champions Munster, a win which ended a 12-year wait by the province for silverware.
He toured with the Lions back in 2009.
Earls’ autobiography, Fight or Flight: My Life, My Choices, won Sportsbook of the Year at the 2021 Irish Book Awards.
