WE’RE BETTER BECAUSE WE’RE FAMILY GUYS
Munster v Leinster
PRO14, St Stephen’s Day, 3.15pm
MASSIVE efforts have been made over the past two decades to establish how to get the best out of professional rugby players but Munster and Ireland wing Keith Earls reckons they flourish when they become parents.
The 30-year-old (above) can see a huge difference in Ian Keatley (below) since the out-half became a father.
Earls said: “I’m enjoying rugby in general. I suppose I used to think it was everything but when you really think about it, it doesn’t really mean that much to you. Why would you get worked up about it?
“Obviously you’re passionate about it and you want to go out and achieve things and give your best every time but at the end of the day it’s only a small thing in life.
“Since Keats has had a child he’s been relaxed like, ‘What have I been worrying about all along?’. That’s we’re playing so well, we’ve so many kids around that fellas don’t care anymore! I think that’s it, we’re all enjoying it and it’s easier when you’re enjoying it.”
Earls is itching to get back after being out since before the November internationals with a hamstring injury and is looking forward to taking on Leinster in front of a capacity crowd at Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day.
He said: “Leinster on St Stephen’s Day is going to be huge. It’s my second time this year coming back from injury having to play Leinster.
“You feel it after it. It’s the closest thing you can get to a European game and sometimes even closer to an international. It’s going to be a massive challenge.”