No early Munster return for O’Connell, cautions Penney

Munster head coach Rob Penney revealed yesterday that talismanic lock Paul O’Connell was “still a wee way away” from full fitness.

O’Connell continues to rehabilitate a bulging disc in his back, a problem which flared up again in the week of Ireland’s opening autumn Test against South Africa a fortnight ago. Doubts the 33-year-old former Munster and Lions captain may not be fit in time to face Saracens in the crucial Heineken Cup double header starting in three weeks were not eased when Penney was asked for an update yesterday.

“To be honest, I don’t actually know,” Penney said. “I’ve seen him and had discussions with him but as I said the last time we went through this, I don’t ask him ‘when’. We just talk footy stuff and he’ll let us know when he’s ready.