O'Connell injury blow for Munster

Ireland lock Paul O’Connell has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a broken thumb – putting his participation in the Six Nations opener against Scotland in doubt.

The Munster second-rower underwent surgery at the weekend after sustaining injury in the Celtic League victory over Ulster and his hand will be in plaster for the next five weeks before he can have a scan to determine when he will be able to resume playing.