O’Connell on target for Quins clash

Paul O’Connell is edging closer to being available for Munster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Harlequins at The Stoop on April 7.

The 2009 Lions captain is showing steady recovery from surgery carried out on a bulging disc in his back on New Year’s Eve and has been active in recent squad sessions with Munster, who have a week off in between their RaboDirect Pro12 commitments, but O’Connell wasn’t prepared to take a rest.

Instead, he participated in a session with Young Munster this week and will line out for Munster A against Leinster A on Tuesday night in the Bowl, UL. Young Munster head coach Mike Prendergast was delighted by O’Connell’s presence and the positive progress.