Earls a target for the Exiles

Keith Earls has emerged as a target for London Irish, as the English club ramp up their efforts to recruit a high-profile Irish player, according to the Evening Echo in Cork.

The 26-year-old Limerick man has been troubled by injury, but the IRFU are eager to secure all of their remaining out-of-contract players before the Six Nations.

The London club missed out on Donnacha Ryan last month, but — after being taken over by Cavan businessman Mick Crossan last month — the Exiles are zoning in on more Irish players.

Cork’s Tomás O’Leary is already in their colours, but given Earls’ love for the Munster jersey it would take a huge effort from London Irish to persuade the back to leave his native shore.

After Jonathan Sexton’s switch to Racing Metro this season, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien are in the sights of French clubs, but London Irish would not be able to afford their salaries.