Sure, we all believe Paul O'Connell can do anything he wants but deep down we know that's not entirely true. The sight of Paulie being stretchered off against France brought home the reality that he's human, perhaps not as human as the rest of us but human all the same.
That means that when he undergoes surgery for a hamstring avulsion, he simply has to follow what the doctors say. In this instance the doctors have said that the former Munster lock will be out of action for between four and eight months, and that's coming from the man himself.
That would mean that he's in danger of missing the first year of his two year deal with Toulon. Given the money involved with that deal it's understandable that the European champions would like to see a return on their investment as soon as possible, but even at that, Toulon's owner maybe stretching things a bit.
Mourad Boudjellal was speaking to the media yesterday as he unveiled Quade Cooper as the latest galactico of the French Riviera and he was asked about O'Connell's recovery time. Despite the fact that he hasn't spoken to O'Connell he's really bought into the Superman hype that we all like to indulge in.
The medical staff of RCT have access to his file and we want a return to competition in mid-January at the latest. Paul O'Connell will be 100% and ready to play on that date. There may be complications in rehabilitation, but the player is expected in Toulon in December in order to complete his care.
Given O'Connell's obvious discomfort when he faced the media in Dublin earlier this week, that would seem somewhat unlikely. Boudjellal may be used to getting his way in things but we'll just have to wait and see with this one.
[Canal +]
