Munster duo Keith Earls and Conor Murray sign new IRFU contracts

By Mike Patterson

Image: Keith Earls and Conor Murray are celebrating new IRFU deals

Keith Earls and Conor Murray have signed new three-year contracts with the Irish Rugby Football Union that will see them remain Munster players until the end of the 2019 season.

Utility back Earls, 28, was strongly linked with a move to Saracens in the Irish media on Tuesday but has opted to stay with Munster for whom he made his senior debut in April 2007.

He said: "I am delighted to have signed a new IRFU contract to allow me to continue playing my rugby in Ireland and I look forward to playing my role in bringing success to both Munster and Ireland."

Scrum-half Murray, 26, first played for Munster in April 2010 and has made 42 appearances for Ireland, four less than Earls.

Murray said: "I am delighted to sign a new IRFU contract to continue playing my rugby with Munster. Having come through the Munster Academy it was a special moment for me and my family when I made my Munster debut in 2010, and to go on to represent Ireland is every young rugby player's dream.

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Image: Murray clears his lines during Ireland's World Cup match against Italy

"I look forward to pulling on the Munster and Ireland jerseys in the years to come."

IRFU performance director David Nucifora said: "Conor is a hugely important, admired and respected player and makes a real impact in every game he plays for Munster and Ireland.

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"Keith is a gifted footballer and has shown great commitment throughout his rugby career for both Munster and Ireland.

Image: Earls races through to score for Munster against Stade Francais earlier this month

"The IRFU is committed to retaining players like Keith and we know that Munster and Ireland supporters will be delighted with the news."

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