Ireland lock Paul O'Connell will miss the Six Nations after undergoing surgery to correct a bulging disc in his back.
However, O'Connell should be in contention for a spot in the British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia starting in June, after targeting a return to action with Irish province Munster in April.
"In terms of a return, I'd be looking at early April when hopefully Munster will be in contention for trophies on two fronts (Heineken Cup and Pro12)," said the 33-year-old.
It is the third time in his career that O'Connell, the former Ireland and Lions captain, has had a disc problem in his lower back.
Comments
Irishzimbabwean says...
I seriously believe that all of O'Driscoll, O'Connell and Ferris are all going to give their all to be on the Lions tour as their last hurrah. Whether they make it or not is, of course, unsure. Shows how highly they all rate the Lions - as I am fairly sure all three well then retire as injuries are now leaving them off the pitch more oftne than they are on it.
Posted 14:54 03rd January 2013
MunsterRedArmy says...
Great player and a leader but having such a bad luck with injuries for the last few seasons just indicates that his body cant take it anymore. Or am I wrong? Anyway I support him with any decision he makes, after all he knows his body more than any of us. But if he hangs up his boots, we'll miss him! Great man!
Posted 13:20 03rd January 2013
paddy91317 says...
I said this months ago. He has a major inability to heal. Retire before you end up in a wheelchair paul.
And thanks for the level you brought munster and irelands standards to.
Posted 16:53 02nd January 2013
J_HDK says...
Surgery on a disc in your lower back?... Third time it has been an issue?
Lifting in a lineout, catching in the air and scrummaging are not in this man's future. Paul you have been a great servant to Irish Rugby over the years... but ...
Posted 14:09 02nd January 2013
melkdave says...
Personnally i cant see him making the Lions tour,just not enough top class games under his belt this year imo.Also maybe now he should start to think about retiring from international rugby,he isnt a given starter anymore for Ireland imo,with Ryan and Toahy,both capable imo of taking his place .Time for the old gaurd imo to start fading into the background
Posted 12:59 02nd January 2013
TVaddict says...
Definitely time to retire, for his own health.
Posted 01:30 02nd January 2013