Munster have confirmed that Paul O'Connell's surgery to correct a bulging disc that was pressing on a nerve in his lower back went successfully.
The procedure was carried out in Dublin on Monday and the player is now set to begin rehab with a target date of early April for a return to competitive action.
O'Connell explained: "I'm delighted with the way the operation went. More importantly, so too are the medical team who carried out the operation and I am very grateful to all concerned.
"My aim now is to start rehab as soon as is practicable. In terms of a return, I'd be looking at early April when hopefully Munster will be in contention for trophies on two fronts."
