Keith Earls backs 'voice of reason' Jared Payne to succeed at Munster

Earls is dipping his toe into coaching with AIL side Thomond

New Munster attack coach Jared Payne won 20 caps for Ireland before being forced to retire due to a head injury suffered on the 2017 Lions Tour. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Keith Earls saw Jared Payne as Ireland’s “voice of reason” when the pair were Test team-mates and he believes the former Ulster centre has all the tools to succeed as Munster’s new attack coach.

Payne has replaced Mike Prendergast on Clayton McMillan’s coaching staff and the New Zealand-born 2017 British & Irish Lions tourist has arrived after spells as either defence or attack coach at Ulster, Clermont Auvergne and most recently Scarlets, where he held both positions during his three years at the Welsh region.