Munster through and through, still.
Reports on Tuesday had Keith Earls all but out the Thomond Park door and on his way to Saracens, but the IRFU have just announced Ireland’s record World-Cup try scorer will be staying with the province after signing a new three-year contract.
Scrum-half Conor Murray has also signed on for three more years, keeping the Lions duo at Munster until at least the 2019 World Cup.
It is a fantastic boost for Irish rugby ahead of the Six Nations after Marty Moore and Ian Madigan both confirmed they were leaving Leinster.
Earls, who it has been suggested was keen on a move to London for “family issues”, expressed his satisfaction with the new deal in a press release.
“I am delighted to have signed a new IRFU contract to allow me to continue playing my rugby in Ireland and I look forward to playing my role in bringing success to both Munster and Ireland.”
A Heineken Cup winner in 2008, Earls has been a rare shining light for Munster in a difficult season and Anthony Foley will be delighted to have the 28 year old and Murray to build a new-look Munster team around.
