O’Connell on the mend as lay-off sees Reds skipper ‘refreshed’ for fray

MUNSTER skipper Paul O’Connell has revealed his three-week injury lay-off has left him feeling refreshed ahead of Saturday’s clash with Guinness Premiership’s form team Northampton Saints.

O’Connell hasn’t played since Ireland’s defeat by Scotland in the final game of the Six Nations Championship due to a groin problem.

Though he missed out on yesterday’s training, he is convinced the spell of the sidelines will be of benefit as the province face into the business end of the season.