Penney: Health all that counts for Paulie

Paul O’Connell’s imminent back surgery should be seen as a positive for the Ireland and Lions star’s well-being rather than a setback to his playing career, Munster head coach Rob Penney has insisted.

The 33-year-old lock will go under the knife “at the earliest possible opportunity”, according to the club, to resolve a long-standing issue with a bulging disc in his lower back. The problem resurfaced ahead of Ireland’s November 10 Test against South Africa, just two games into O’Connell’s comeback from a knee injury initially suffered last March.

Not only is the inspirational second row set to miss the Six Nations, the likelihood of him recovering fitness and establishing form required to earn selection for a third Lions tour of his career now also seems a distant hope.