O’Connell Has Hand Injury Re-Plastered

Munster officials have confirmed that Ireland lock Paul O’Connell has had his left hand re-plastered following a visit to specialist in Cork on Thursday.

Munster and Ireland lock Paul O’Connell

Munster officials have confirmed that Ireland lock Paul O’Connell has had his left hand re-plastered following a visit to specialist in Cork on Thursday.

O’Connell fractured a thumb when making his seasonal debut for Munster against Llanelli Scarlets on September 23, and there were initial fears that the Limerick man, who turns 26 next week, could be sidelined for upwards of ten weeks.

Thankfully that is not the case and following Thursday’s examination of the injury, a new plaster has been put in place for the next two weeks. When that fortnight has elapsed, a further assessement will be made on O’Connell’s hand.

The 6ft 6in lock seems certain to miss Munster’s opening two Heineken Cup pool games against Sale Sharks and Castres Olympique later this month, but with a quick recovery, O’Connell could yet play a part in all three of Ireland’s autumn Tests against New Zealand, Australia and Romania next month.