Munster today confirmed that Paul O'Connell has undergone corrective surgery for a back complaint and will be out of action for four months. In addition David Wallace was discharged from hospital on Monday after a successful operation on corrective sugery for a shoulder injury. Wallace is expected to be out of action for 6 months.

Munster team manager Jerry Holland, commenting on the news said, "Firstly we are happy that both players have come through their respective operations sucessfully and we wish them a speedy recovery. Obviously it is bad news for both players, coming as it does at the start of the season. From a Munster point of view it means we will be without key players for the Celtic League and Heineken Cup campaigns. However, as is always the case, their absence does provide opportunities for others. We are happy with the strength of the squad. We do have places yet to fill and in light of these two injuries we will be looking at those particular positions before finalising our squad."