O’Driscoll to return next month

IRELAND skipper Brian O’Driscoll will be out for only three to four weeks after a scan delivered a positive diagnosis on his hamstring tear.

O’Driscoll limped off in the 75th minute of Saturday’s 16-12 RBS 6 Nations defeat by Wales. It was initially thought the Leinster centre would be sidelined for up to two months but tests revealed the damage was not as severe as first feared.

Leinster currently top the Magners League and the news means O’Driscoll will be available for the title run-in — possibly in time for the home clash with Munster on April 12.