O’Connell to miss Six Nations championship

LONDON — Ireland lock Paul O’Connell will miss the Six Nations championship after a back operation on Monday, but hopes to return in early April in time for the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia starting in June.

Report by Reuters

O’Connell, who captained the Lions during their last tour in South Africa four years ago, has played only two games for his provincial side Munster this season and last started for Ireland during last year’s Six Nations.

The 33-year-old lock, who has been dogged by injury in recent years, underwent surgery on his back for the second time on Monday and said the operation had gone well.

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