O’Connell makes Munster return

Having defied medical opinion and returned to match fitness a month earlier than expected, Paul O’Connell sets out this afternoon on a path that could see him feature for Munster in next month’s Heineken Cup quarter-final with Harlequins.

O’Connell will play the first 40 minutes of the A Interprovincial clash with Leinster at UL Bowl (2pm), his first outing since undergoing surgery for a bulging disc in his lower back on New Year’s Eve.

“Paulie has done a massive amount of controlled physical work and has got himself into a very good position,” explained Ian Costelloe, Munster skills coach and A team coach. “He has worked unbelievably hard to get to this stage and with the help of the medical and fitness staff, has got himself into a situation where we have no concerns about him coming through 40 minutes.