Keith Earls is one of the quickest players in European rugby and is capable of playing at centre as well as any of the back three positions. He made his debut for Ireland in 2008 against Canada, and despite not featuring for Ireland in their 2009 Six Nations campaign was still called up by the British and Irish Lions. Earls has been earmarked as O'Driscoll's long-term successor in the number 13 shirt.