Earls: I can follow BOD as best 13 in the world

Keith Earls has staked his claim to both Munster and Ireland’s No 13 jerseys after stating his ambition to become “the best centre in the world”.

With Munster having signed centres James Downey and former All Black Casey Laulala for next season, Earls, 24, launched a preemptive bid to convince incoming head coach Rob Penney that he is the man to nail down the outside centre position long-term.

The British & Irish Lion has struggled to consistently secure a specialist position since he made his professional debut for Munster in 2007 and he only played regularly at 13 for the first time during what has been an injury-hit season.