O'Connell ruled out of South Africa game

Paul O’Connell has been ruled out of the opening game of the Guinness Series against South Africa due to a back injury.

O’Connell returned to training at the start of this week and took a full part in the squad sessions on Monday and Tuesday, but suffered a reaction and will not be fit for selection for this weekend’s game.

The Munster second-row will see a specialist in the coming days and an update will be issued in due course.