Keith Earls released from hospital after scans on neck injury

By Stephen Barry

Keith Earls has been released from hospital after scans on a nasty-looking neck injury that he sustained against Leinster.

The Munster winger was stretchered off in a neck brace after a lengthy stoppage, complaining of chest and neck pains.

However Anthony Foley revealed that the winger was released from hospital and re-joined his teammates in Thomond Park following the full-time whistle.

Good to see @KEITHEARLS87 back in the dressing room walking around post-match. #MunVLei pic.twitter.com/ODfaYkUml1

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) December 27, 2015

“I just spoke to Keith inside,” said Foley after the game. “He’s back from the hospital, so that’s good, and he’s walking around.

“After he offloaded the ball, he fell and connected with a leg and had a bit of a shock through the body. That was looked after.”

Foley also clarified that the injury was not a concussion.

“It was neck pain. His head hit the back of somebody’s ankle, as he fell to the ground, and he felt a pain in his chest and in his back.

“He was taken to hospital. He’s been released from hospital with no concerns.”

Prop James Cronin is on crutches after sustaining a bang to his ankle, while Conor Murray failed a Stephen’s Day fitness test on a hip injury. That injury will be reviewed tomorrow.