O'Connell eyes April return after successful surgery

Paul O’Connell has set his sights on a return to action in early April after the lock underwent surgery in Dublin yesterday to correct a back injury.

Surgery was needed to address a bulging disc that was pressing on a nerve in O’Connell’s lower back.

The operation was a success and the Limerick man will leave hospital today and return home.

Having been sidelined with the injury since October the talismanic second row is delighted to be on the road to recovery and he hopes to play a part in the end of Munster’s season.

“I’m delighted with the way the operation went,” O’Connell said.

“More importantly, so too are the medical team who carried out the operation and I am very grateful to all concerned.

“My aim now is to start rehab as soon as is practicable.

“In terms of a return, I'd be looking at early April when hopefully Munster will be in contention for trophies on two fronts."

O'Connell has a history of back problems. He had a similar issue in 2002 that required surgery and a re-occurrence in 2008 but at that time it was managed without needing surgery and he got back in time to feature in the knock out stages of the Heineken Cup and Magners League

When the problem arose again this season the medical team initially decided to manage it conservatively as in 2008.

However, when improvements slowed and after further consultation it was believed more prudent for him to undergo surgery in order to make a return to match fitness.

A return to first team rugby in April would see him miss the 2013 Six Nations but leaves the door open for him to travel to Australia as part of Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions squad.