O'Connell injury blow for Munster

Munster rugby has been rocked by the shock news that Paul O'Connell will be out of action for the next six months.

The international second row forward underwent surgery on a back injury in Cork yesterday.

The 22-year-old aggravated the injury during Ireland's tour to New Zealand.

O'Connell will miss Munster's entire Celtic League campaign and six Heineken Cup matches in October, December and January.

Irish international David Wallace was earlier this month also ruled out of Munster action through injury.