Ireland and Munster hooker Frankie Sheahan will be out of rugby for between six and 12 weeks after damaging ligaments in his neck during last weekend's first-round European Cup match against Sale Sharks.

Sheahan, who scored a try and then left the pitch on 43 minutes. He returned to action but retired on 73 minutes, and will miss Ireland's three international Tests next month.

Depending on how quickly the injury heals, he may miss round three of Munster's European Cup campaign, which restarts on December 9th at Newport. Sheahan does not require surgery but must wear a brace while the ligaments repair.

Paul O'Connell's hand continues to cause problems. The Munster and Ireland secondrow had the cast over his broken scafoid bone removed yesterday only to discover that another operation is required.

O'Connell, who had the cast briefly removed a couple of weeks ago only for it to be put back in place, must now have a pin inserted and will be out of the game for another three to five weeks. Again the injury will make him unavailable for Ireland's three internationals next month, the first of which is against the All Blacks on November 12th. Coach Declan Kidney, however, is optimistic his key secondrow might be fit to face Newport away or the return match a week later.

Alan Quinlan's knee injury is as bad as was expected. Initially there was some optimism he had a medial ligament tear but further tests confirmed there is also cruciate ligament damage and a operation is required. The backrow player will be out for four to five months.

Good news for Munster and Eddie O'Sullivan is that scrumhalf Peter Stringer came through training with no concerns, as did Anthony Horgan. Both players, along with Trevor Halstead, are being considered for Munster's European Cup match on Saturday in Thomond Park against Castres Olympique.