Back injury to keep O'Connell sidelined until New Year

Munster have revealed that influential lock Paul O'Connell will not return to action until the New Year as he continues to recover for a back problem.

O'Connell's last involvement with Munster was in the Heineken Cup round 2 game against Edinburgh at Thomond Park Stadium in mid October before taking part in training with the Irish squad during the November internationals.