Keith Earls has long been open about his mental health struggles, which have plagued him throughout his career with Munster and Ireland; inspiring the next generation of player to be open about issues that were once bundled up.
It is a testament to his character that he has managed to come out the other side and achieve so much in the latter stages of his career, which have included a Grand Slam win and becoming a test centurion.
In a recent interview with Gabriel Clarke and ITV, Earls spoke candidly once again about the severe anxiety which came with playing professional rugby, but gave a hugely positive update on his progress.
"The diagnosis was a form of bipolar,"
I spent every minute of every day trying to figure out how I can deal with it.
I haven't told anyone, but I've been medication free for over a year now. Incredible. From where I was. You still get poor days, but I've went to lengths to figure myself out, which I'm very content with now.
Inspiring Words From Ireland Rugby Legend Keith Earls
ICYMI
Another chance to watch @GabrielClarke05's feature with Keith Earls pic.twitter.com/iQcKphYToc
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) September 17, 2023
READ HERE: Andy Farrell Had To Talk World Cup Bound Keith Earls Out Of Retiring 18 Months Ago
READ HERE: Trademark Honesty From Keith Earls After Marking 100th Cap With Superb Try
Earls further described the anguish he endured earlier in his career, and why the 2015 World Cup was the tipping point which lead to him seeking help.
"I've only really enjoyed my career from my 50th cap on. I just didn't enjoy it.
"Then when teams start figuring you out. The pressure piles on, and I went down a big rabbit-hole of negative thinking.
"I didn't want to play anymore. Semi-finals, finals, even World Cups, I'd have massive highs and lows which I didn't know how to handle.
"The World Cup in 2015, the pressure, how big it was, it was one of the worst days of my rugby career.
"The negative thinking...then went out to the field and even dropped a silly ball that could have been in for a try.
"I just derailed myself and didn't have control of my mind. So I was an emotional wreck by how much anxiety I had that day. I swore to myself that I'd never want to feel like this again."
SEE ALSO: South Africa Forced Into Ireland Jersey Change Due To Baffling Pre-Tournament Decision
