Munster and Ireland second row Paul O'Connell is unlikely to be available for selection for the initial stages of the RBS 6 Nations.
Paul O'Connell has suffered a setback during his rehabilitation from a back injury. Further tests will be required to be carried out on the injury over the next number of days to establish the extent of the set back.
It was hoped that O'Connell, who has not played since the Rugby World Cup, would line out for Munster in the Heineken Cup following a successful appearence for his club, Young Munster, in the AIB League. O'Connell was named in the extended Munster squad but the setback occurred late in the week and he was ruled out.
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan will name his initial squad for the RBS 6 Nations championship on Tuesday next week but it is now unlikley that Paul O'Connell will feature in the early stages of the tournament.
