VIDEO: Paul O' Connell rules out January return

The one disappointing aspect to what was otherwise a delightful celebration at the University of Limerick yesterday was the sight of the guest of honour having to make his way around on crutches.

The serious hamstring injury has thrown the 36-year-old’s career into considerable doubt although European champions, Toulon, the French club he is set to join shortly, have included him in their squad for the forthcoming Champions Cup and president Mourad Boudjellal believes the Irishman might even be available in January.

That view, however, enters the realms of wishful thinking.

“The rehab from one of these injuries doesn’t always go exactly the way you want it to go, so realistically I don’t know when I will be able to play again,” O’Connell admitted. “It could be four, even six months. Like all rugby players I’d be optimistic and hoping to get back as soon as I can. Toulon are also anxious that should be the case.”

O’Connell made little of suggestions he might actually play for Ireland again and he is determined to make the best of his decision to move to the south of France.

“Missing out on playing for my country and my province will hurt,” he admitted. “But I’ve made the decision and once you’ve done that you have to get busy making it the right decision. That’s what I have done now.

“I’ve elected to go away, to move to France with Emily and the kids. I’m looking forward to all the experiences and all the knowledge that it will bring me. I will definitely look at all the Munster and Irish games with envy of all the players still there but it won’t be with regret.

“I did as much as I could, enjoyed myself incredibly, played with some great coaches and great players, but when the time comes to move on, you have to move on.”