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.