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.