Absolute legend.

Munster winger Keith Earls was back in a green jersey on Saturday as Ireland made a winning start to their Summer Nations Series with victory over Italy.

It marked Earls’ 99th Test match for Ireland and puts him just one shy from entering a very exclusive centurion club alongside the likes of Ronan O’Gara, Paul O’Connell, and Brian O’Driscoll, as well as current teammates Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton and Cian Healy.

The Limerick man is one of the most beloved players in Irish Rugby and has been one of the country’s key players over a career that has lasted well over a decade so far, having burst onto the scene straight out of school as a teenager.

Earls, incredibly, was part of Munster’s last European title-winning team back in 2008 and traveled as part of the British and Irish Lions squad in 2009, such was his talent even at a young age.

As he enters the twilight stages of his career, Earls showed us once again who he’s so adored by the Munster and Ireland faithful, going out of his way as the only player to enter the crowd yesterday evening and spend time signing autographs for fans.

One of the true icons of Irish Rugby. Earls will be missed when he’s gone.