It already seems like an eternity ago that Paul O’Connell was stretchered off the Millennium Stadium pitch.
In reality, it’s been just three weeks since the legendary lock played his last game in an Ireland jersey after horrifically tearing his hamstring against France.
The injury ruled him out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup and left his future with Toulon up in the air.
O’Connell has revealed that the injury, when his hamstring was reported to have torn off the bone, was the most painful injury he ever experienced in his lengthy career.
We didn’t know when to expect the former Munster man’s Toulon debut after O’Connell signed a two-year contract with the reigning European Champions Cup holders in the summer.
Speaking on Monday morning, O’Connell admitted he may end up missing the entire first year of that deal, with him potentially being sidelined for eight months.
Paul O'Connell says he could be out for 8 months which would rule him out of first season in Toulon. Best case scenario is 4 months.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) November 2, 2015
Paul O'Connell says it will be four to eight months before he can play again
— Michael Scully (@mikescully1) November 2, 2015
"I'm heading into the biggest challenge of my career" POC on the rehab ahead
— Michael Scully (@mikescully1) November 2, 2015
Paul O'Connell: the pain from the hamstring injury is the worst I've experienced as a professional. @RTErugby
— Tadhg Peavoy (@TPeavoy) November 2, 2015
Paul O'Connell: I need to be on my back for six weeks as I recover to ensure I don't do any damage after the surgery. @RTErugby
— Tadhg Peavoy (@TPeavoy) November 2, 2015
Paul O'Connell: I've only left the house four times since getting home from the RWC in order to get maximum R&R for the injury. @RTErugby
— Tadhg Peavoy (@TPeavoy) November 2, 2015
