Earls 'grateful' to finally reach 100 mark

New Ireland centurion Keith Earls was delighted to mark his big day with a magic moment – and in doing so he also helped his case to add to his 100 caps at the upcoming World Cup as Ireland defeated England 29-10.

Earls received a hero's reception when introduced in the second half, but that ovation was nothing compared to the roar that reverberated around the Aviva Stadium when he received a Bundee Aki pass and dotted down with some style in the 73rd minute.

"It was a tough week I suppose with all the attention on the 100th cap but look, I’m delighted I’ve done it," Ireland’s ninth centurion told RTÉ Sport afterwards.

"I tried to get my wife and kids to stay away and just stay in the background, but they told me I’d regret it – I’m happy I’ve done it now and it all worked out well.

"I think I've been waiting to get these two caps since the New Zealand tour. To get it the way it worked out, in Dublin against England, there’s no better way. I’m very grateful to do it."

Here comes the centurion. Keith Earls receives a thunderous ovation as he replaces James Lowe to make his 100th appearance for Ireland. pic.twitter.com/x0NrFhhJhO

Earls’ career has been blighted by injury and a troublesome hamstring limited his 2022 participation before adding two more caps in that summer’s tour of New Zealand.

The 100 mark was so close, but a series of further injuries left him sidelined and wondering would he ever achieve it throughout the early part of 2023. But he started the Summer Nations Series opener against Italy and came in as a replacement against England.

"It’s crazy how long the journey has become, having been on more downs than ups. I think the ups have certainly come the last couple of months and it makes it all worthwhile."

The day