Earls to leave contract talks until new year

Munster and Ireland back Keith Earls has dropped a broad hint that he would be happy to sign a new contract to stay with the province.

The 2009 Lions tourist, who turned 26 earlier this month, will see hiscurrent two-year deal with the IRFU expire at the end of this season.

Though he has told Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald he does not wish to open negotiations on a new contract until after Christmas, Earls has told the Irish Examiner he is excited by Munster’s future.