O'Connell out of Ireland squad - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

O'Connell out of Ireland squad

Paul O'Connell, who is battling to overcome a back injury, has been left out of Ireland's 33-man squad for the RBS 6 Nations.

Munster lock O'Connell sustained the injury during the World Cup and will miss the entire tournament if he requires surgery.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has injected some youth into the squad in the shape of uncapped Leinster duo Cian Healy and Jonathan Sexton.

In-form Connacht openside Johnny O'Connor has been rewarded with a recall - his first inclusion in a Six Nations party since 2006.

Locks Mick O'Driscoll and Leo Cullen have been selected to fill the void left by O'Connell's injury, with the Munster skipper expected to miss at least the opening two games against Italy and France.

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