Mike Haley hails ‘unbelievable’ Keith Earls

EARLIER this week it was announced by the IRFU that Munster winger Keith Earls has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him on these shores until the Summer of 2022.

Earls has been a star of the Munster team virtually ever since debuting in 2007 and has gone on to score 57 times in the red jersey. Only Simon Zebo with a total of 60 tries has more for the province .

The Moyross man has won one Heineken Cup, two Magners Leagues, a Grand Slam and travelled with the 2009 British and Irish Lions during his illustrious career so far and he isn’t done yet.

Teammates and coaches alike believe Earls has plenty more left to give and fullback Mike Haley spoke to the media on Tuesday explaining just how valuable training with someone like the 33 year-old Ireland international can be.

“It’s not even during the game, a lot of it is during the week”, said the 26 year-old. “There’s a lot of little conversations that you’d have, especially as a fullback to a winger you’re trying to build connections.

“I’d permanently be chewing his ear off trying to know what he likes, what he’s experienced in the past, what he would deem as good reads and trying to make sure that with each play we try to get the best result out of it. He’s been around for a while now and has a vast amount of experience so when you have someone around like that you just have to take advantage.

“Whenever you’re doubting yourself or have a question, he’ll give you a clean-cut answer and that’s exactly what you want. Having him around for another year is unbelievable – not just as a player in the team but also for the amount of advice he gives to young lads and myself. He’s a good guy to have around and a better person off the pitch so it’s great.”

Munster take on Scarlets tomorrow evening at Thomond Park (8pm ko, Eir Sport 1).