PAUL O’Connell is thought to have suffered a recurrence of the knee injury he picked up in March during the Six Nations Championship.

O’Connell, who hobbled off the pitch in the 55th minute of Munster’s Pro12 match against Ulster on Saturday, was examined by Munster medical staff but it was decided that he needed further specialist attention.

The full extent of the problem will not be known until later this week. The Irish and Munster lock suffered medial ligament damage after twisting his left knee during Ireland’s 17-17 draw with France earlier this year and was subsequently sidelined for six weeks with hooker Rory Best assuming the Irish captaincy.

If it is the same problem, the injury could jeopardise O’Connell’s place on the Irish squad that travels to New Zealand in June.

Ireland’s first Test match against the All Blacks is on June 9th in Eden Park, Auckland.

He is unlikely to play for the rest of the domestic season, which means he will also miss Munster’s Pro12 semi-final next week against Ospreys.

Damien Varley is also considered doubtful for the clash with Ospreys after sustaining an ankle injury against Ulster with just two minutes of play remaining. A medical examination yesterday showed replacement Varley had suffered an ankle sprain.

There was better news of outhalf, Ronan O’Gara and he is expected to resume training this week with a view to being in consideration for Friday’s game. Ian Keatley, who missed the Ulster game after sustaining a knock in training last Thursday, is also expect back.

– Johnny Watterson