Earls happy taking middle ground

Contrary to popular belief, Keith Earls insists he is neither a temperamental baby throwing his toys out of the pram nor a cranky old character mired in his own inflexibility.

Earls admits he has give plenty of ammunition to those willing to believe he can operate at both ends of the grouchy spectrum but like his favourite position on a rugby pitch, the truth lies firmly in the middle.

So long has the debate been raging about Earls’ best position in both the Munster and Ireland back lines that it is worth reminding ourselves that the Moyross flyer only turned 25 last month.