Back Injury Rules O’Connell Out

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

Paul O’Connell returned to training at the start of this week and took a full part in the squad sessions at Carton House on Monday and Tuesday.

However, the Munster lock suffered a reaction and will not be fit for selection for this weekend’s game against the Springboks.

He will see a specialist in the coming days and an update will be issued in due course.

The Ireland team and replacements for the opening fixture of the GUINNESS Series will be named on Thursday afternoon.