'Now is the right time' - Earls confirms retirement from rugby with immediate effect

Keith Earls has confirmed he is to retire from rugby with immediate effect, following Ireland's World Cup elimination.

The 36-year-old's announcement had been expected, with Ireland head coach Andy Farrell paying tribute to him following the 28-24 defeat to New Zealand on Saturday night in Paris.

This afternoon, Earls made the news official, releasing a statement through Irish and Munster rugby, confirming his retirement.

"The game of rugby has given me so much and I feel privileged to have represented my home province Munster and Ireland over the course of my career," he said.

The Limerick man player 202 times for his province and scored 64 tries, while also crossed the line 36 times in 101 caps for Ireland in a 15-year Test career.

"Being a Munster supporter growing up, before I even got the chance to pull on the jersey meant that I appreciated every moment to represent my province across my 202 appearances. I was so honoured to be a part of our URC success last season and I have no doubt that it will be a launchpad for the squad to soar even higher in the years to come.

"When I was young I never imagined I would get to represent my country once, never mind 101 times. Playing for Ireland meant the world to me and it has been an honour to pull on the jersey and represent our great nation."

Earls capped off his career with a fourth Rugby World Cup while enjoying a memorable finale with Munster when he made a miraculous recovery from injury to contribute to their URC semi-final and final wins against Leinster and the Stormers.

And he took time in his statement to pay tribute to the people who helped him in his lengthy career,

"I have always tried to be a good friend and team-mate and give all of myself to the jersey, traits