Ireland receive Keith Earls boost ahead of World Cup campaign

Ireland have received a boost ahead of their World Cup campaign with Munster winger Keith Earls declared fit despite his latest injury setback.

Earls, who played his first Test in the warm-up games leading to the showpiece event played 52 minutes during the game against Wales at Aviva Stadium last weekend before he was forced off the field with a knee injury.

There were concerns on the 31-year-old's involvement in the upcoming World Cup but the Irish Rugby Football Union revealed that Earls will retain his place in the squad.

Following the game against Wales, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt confirmed that Earls felt discomfort during his time on the field.

“Potentially he could have played on, he feels like he could have, but no way in a game like that are you going to keep someone on.”

Ireland will begin their World Cup campaign with a clash against Six Nations rivals Scotland in Yokohama on 22nd September.