Paul O'Connell has said that he hopes to be fit in time for the Lions' tour of Australia after undergoing back surgery yesterday.
The Munster lock aims to return to the playing field in April, having had the operation to correct a bulging disc.
The Ireland international told Sky Sports News: "I am 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."
The 33-year-old missed several months last year with a knee injury before returning in October, when his back problem flared up.
