Lions dream becomes a reality for ecstatic Earls

KEITH EARLS still pinches himself every night to make sure he doesn’t wake up and find his rugby season was just an incredible dream. Having started the season with the aim of playing a few games for Munster, he will join eight other players making their British & Irish Lions debuts in Phokeng.

The Royal XV may not be the most difficult of opponents, but that is of no concern to the 21-year-old. The game represents the next stage in a career that is threatening to go stratospheric.

“Not in a million years did I think I’d be going on a Lions tour, yet here I am in Johannesburg preparing to play in the first game,” said Earls.