WATCH: Paul O'Connell leads tributes to Keith Earls who is retiring from international rugby

IRELAND forwards coach Paul O'Connell has paid tribute to fellow Limerick man Keith Earls who is retiring from international rugby after an outstanding career.

News of Earls retirement from international rugby was confirmed in the wake of Ireland's heart-breaking 28-24 Rugby World Cup quarte-final defeat to New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris.

Thirty six-year-old Earls won 101 caps for Ireland since making his debut for his country against Canada at Thomond Park in 2008. The Munster Rugby winger also scored a stunning 36 tries for his country.

Head coach Andy Farrell confirmed news of Earls' decision to hang up his international rugby boots at a post-match press conference in Paris on Saturday night.

Farrell said: “The standards have been immense over the last four years, the players that we’ve used in that four-year cycle have been a joy to work with.

“And not just that, their connection with the fans, it seemed like it’s all one big family.

“I’m unbelievably proud to be associated with it all. I think the sad thing for us now is that for this group it’s probably the end.

“Obviously it is for Johnny and Keith Earls is going to retire as well, so things are going to change. Mick Kearney our manager is going to finish up as well.

"Keith - What a great example for young people."

"Johnny - An incredible piece of stuff."

Paul O'Connell pays tribute to Keith Earls and Johnny Sexton following their retirements after Ireland's World Cup exit.#IREvNZL | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/yynu4SoQoA

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 14, 2023

“Over the next 24 hours, it’s time to make sure that we get a smile back on our faces as soon as we possibly can and celebrate what has been some unbelievable careers and what they have done for Irish rugby. It’s important to us, that.”

Ireland forwards coach Paul O'Connell said it had been a pleasure to watch Keith Earls through his career.

"I have known Keith since he was about 10 years of age. I played with his dad (Ger) so Keith was at training with us when he was young," Paul O'Connell told Virgin Media Sport.

"It has been a pleasure to watch him throughout his career. I think he has been a great example to people in terms of his professionalism and the way he plays the game, how he has looked after himself and then obviously a great example in terms of how he has spoken about some of his struggles. 

"What a great example for young people and there are plenty of people struggling with mental health in the country.

"We actually spoke about it a few months ago, what a great mentor he has been for back three players within the team, so the legacy he has of giving to the team and giving to other people is a great example."