O'Driscoll on road to recovery after 'successful' operation
W ater carrier Brian O' Driscoll during Leinster's Heineken Cup clash with Montpellier on November 12. Photo: Sportsfile
BRIAN O'DRISCOLL is looking forward to beginning his rehabilitation after successful surgery on the shoulder problem that has ruled him out of Leinster's Heineken Cup campaign.
The Ireland captain announced last week that he was going under the knife to correct a persistent shoulder issue and expected to be sidelined for six months, making him unavailable for Leinster's bid to retain their European crown and the Six Nations.
Having highlighted a first Ireland win over the All Blacks as a major career goal, the hope is for O'Driscoll to return fully fit in time for the summer tour to New Zealand for a three-Test series.
And that hope was reinforced after this week's medical procedure, with Leinster confirming that O'Driscoll was eagerly anticipating the start of his rehabilitation.
"The operation was a success," said a Leinster spokesperson. "Brian is at home resting and he is looking forward to beginning his rehabilitation over the coming weeks."
Leinster name their team today to face Glasgow in their second Heineken Cup outing of the campaign at the RDS on Sunday, following last weekend's draw in Montpellier. Ireland hooker Sean Cronin is pushing hard for inclusion after his try-scoring contribution to Leinster's fightback in France, with second-row Devin Toner also in the mix after picking up the Player of the Month award.
Munster travel to Toulouse to take on Castres tomorrow and are expected to go with the same team that secured a remarkable victory over Northampton at Thomond Park last weekend.
Ulster and Connacht are due to name their teams for the Heineken Cup clashes away to Leicester and at home to Toulouse respectively. Connacht's match at the Sportsground is a 9,000 sell-out.
- Hugh Farrelly
Irish Independent
