Ireland and Munster lock O'Connell to have surgery on back injury
Ireland and Munster lock Paul O'Connell will have surgery for a back injury "at the earliest opportunity".
The decision to undergo an operation was taken following consultation between O'Connell, Munster medical staff and IRFU.
O'Connell is almost certain to miss the Six Nations campaign and is a doubt for the Lions tour of Australia.
The former Lions captain missed Ireland's three internationals in November because of the back injury.
Munster said earlier this month that O'Connell's treatment for the injury was "progressing satisfactorily" and that he would see a specialist for a further review in the new year.
O'Connell missed Ireland's summer tour of New Zealand with a knee injury.
The forward's last involvement with Munster was in the Heineken Cup game against Edinburgh at Thomond Park on 19 October.