WithC’s World Cup quarterfinal loss to New Zealand, Keith Earls announced his retirement from professional rugby.
Two distinguished Irish careers came to an end in the 28-24 setback at Stade de France, with Johnny Sexton having announced well in advance that he would hang up his boots after the World Cup campaign.
It was anticipated that 36-year-old Earls, who made his 101st cap in the first pool game against Romania but hasn’t played in the match since, would follow suit. Head coach Andy Farrell affirmed Earls’ decision in a statement following the game.
“I think the sad thing for us now is that for this group it’s probably the end,” he stated on RTÉ Sport.
In 2008, Earls made his Ireland debut at Thomond Park against Canada. In just two minutes of playing for his new country, he scored a try with his very first touch of the ball.
The Myross flyer would go on to score another 35 tries and start every match for Ireland in their 2018 grand slam campaign, but injury prevented him from playing for this year’s team that also won the Six Nations championship with a perfect record.
Team captain Sexton described his fellow retiree as “a legend and one of my best mates, not just in rugby but in life” after the game.
“Aside from rugby, I spend a lot of time with his family, and he’s a fantastic person and a real guy.” There isn’t a more well-liked boy in the team. Off the pitch, he is a member of our group.
“He’s also a legend on the pitch. The 100th cap says he’s had some incredible days. I feel terrible for him because he had an injury at an inopportune moment and hasn’t been able to play in the previous few weeks, but he will undoubtedly rank among the greatest. He will undoubtedly be missed by this group.”
Despite the heartbreak of losing, Farrell stated that it’s critical to recognise the efforts of two Irish rugby icons, Sexton and Earls.
“Over the next 24 hours, it’s time to make sure that we get a smile back on our faces as soon as we possibly can and celebrate what has been some unbelievable careers and what they have done for Irish rugby,” he stated.
“It’s important to us, that.”
More on; SportOclock News.
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