It was expected he would return to resume his partnership with Paul O'Connell against the French on Saturday but despite training with the squad on Tuesday ahead of the team announcement, unlike Stephen Ferris and Andrew Trimble who were given until Thursday before being decided on, O'Callaghan was left out of the 24 (inc. AN Other) strong squad.

In the circumstances, O'Callaghan, lauded by his teammates for his dedication and professionalism,  has opted to continue his rehab with Munster abroad, raising the possibility that he could appear next in the Munster jersey against Edinburgh on Friday week in Musgrave Park ?