Earls was born in Moyross, a council estate in Limerick, to Ger and Sandra Earls. He has one younger sister. Ger was well-known in Limerick for his playing exploits with Thomond and Young Munster, winning the 1992–93 All-Ireland League with the latter, and for being part of the Munster team that beat then-defending World Champions Australia in 1992.