Keith opts out of Ireland team for Wales game

KEITH Earls has opted out of the Ireland team for Sunday's opening Six Nations game against Wales in the Aviva Stadium.

The centre was selected in the number thirteen shirt, fuelling speculation that he is being pencilled in as the first choice replacement for the injured Brian O'Driscoll.

It has been a hectic few weeks for the Munster player with the arrival of his new baby daughter.

"Keith Earls has been forced to withdraw from the Ireland team to play Wales due to personal reasons. Fergus McFadden comes into the side at outside centre with the uncapped David Kearney promoted to the replacements bench.

Speaking at a press conference at the Aviva Stadium today, Ireland team manager Michael Kearney explained: "There has been one late change to the Irish team, Fergus McFadden has come in as a replacement for Keith Earls, who has been ruled out due to personal reasons.

"Unfortunately Keith's baby daughter has been taken ill and is in hospital as we speak. The nature of the illness is unclear, however I did speak to Keith this morning and he was hopeful and optimistic that the baby would get home some time over the weekend.

"The decision was taken following a conversation with Declan (Kidney) and Keith yesterday and it was thought that it was in the best interests of Keith and his partner and their families that Keith remains in Limerick for the weekend.

"Fergus comes in, instead of Keith, and David Kearney has taken Fergus' place on the replacements bench."