Ireland and Munster forward Paul O'Connell has suffered a setback during his rehabilitation from a back injury.

Further tests will be required to be carried out on the injury over the next number of days to establish the extent of the setback.

At this point it is unlikely O'Connell will be available for selection during the early part of the 2008 RBS Six Nations Championship due to start next month when Ireland open their campaign at Croke Park against Italy on Saturday, February 2nd.

Of more pressing concern at provincial level, Munster must now prepare without their influential leader for tomorrow's Heineken Cup clash away to Clermont Auvergne.