INSPIRATIONAL SECOND ROW Paul O’Connell has been ruled out of Ireland’s Guinness Series opener against South Africa this Saturday.
The lock, who has missed much of the opening period of the season with knee trouble, suffered a back injury in training this week according to a statement from the IRFU.
The union’s statement added that the Munster man, “took a full part in the squad sessions on Monday and Tuesday, but suffered a reaction and will not be fit for selection for this weekend’s game.”
There remains some hope that Ireland’s vice-captain will be available again for the visit of Argentina later this month. O’Connell will consult a specialist on the problem this week before the IRFU release a further update.
