O’Driscoll comeback ahead of schedule

Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll could return to competitive rugby within a three or four weeks.

O’Driscoll was set for a six months lay-off following shoulder surgery in November but his father Frank yesterday reported the recovery process was ahead of schedule. O’Driscoll senior told Newstalk yesterday that his son was: “like a greyhound — just raring to go and we’re hoping he’ll be back in three or four weeks.”

If the centre is back within that time-frame he could be in contention for Leinster’s Pro12 clash against Munster in Thomond Park on March 31 or the province’s Heineken Cup quarter-final at home to the Cardiff Blues on April 7.