Keith Earls and Conor Murray both commit long-term futures to Munster
Contrary to reports that surfaced yesterday, Munster’s Keith Earls has committed his long-term future to the province.
There had been speculation that the Limerick native was poised to move to Aviva Premiership side Saracens but the IRFU have today announced new deals for both Earls and teammate Conor Murray.
"We are delighted that Keith has signed a new IRFU contract which will see him remain a Munster player until the end of the 2019 season,” IRFU Performance Director, David Nucifora said.
“Keith is a gifted footballer and has shown great commitment throughout his rugby career for both Munster and Ireland.
Both players have signed new three-year contracts which will see them remain at Munster through to the end of the next Rugby World Cup, in 2019.
"Conor is a hugely important, admired and respected player and makes a real impact in every game he plays for Munster and Ireland,” Nucifora said. “We are delighted that he has signed a new IRFU contract that will keep him at Munster until the end of the 2019 season."
"I am delighted to sign a new IRFU contract to continue playing my rugby with Munster,” Murray said. “Having come through the Munster Academy it was a special moment for me and my family when I made my Munster debut in 2010, and to go on to represent Ireland is every young rugby player's dream.
“I look forward to pulling on the Munster and Ireland jerseys in the years to come.”
Commenting on his deal, Keith Earls said: "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."
Earls made his senior debut for Munster against the Ospreys in April 2007 and went on to make his Ireland debut in the 55-0 win over Canada in Thomond Park in November 2008.
During the 2015 World Cup he overtook Brian o’Driscoll’s record to become Ireland’s top try scorer in World Cups.
Murray made his senior debut for Munster against Connacht in April 2010 and his Ireland debut against France in a World Cup warm-up match in August 2011.
