Rugby:Ireland scrumhalf Tomás O'Leary is unlikely to play again for London Irish this season because of a serious back problem. The club announced today that the 29-year-old has undergone surgery to his lower back for what they describe as a "degenerative pre-existing injury" that has deteriorated this term.

In a statement, London Irish said: “Tomás has been unavailable for selection since his last appearance for London Irish against Harlequins at Madejski Stadium on October 28th. He now faces a four to six months lay-off.”

O’Leary, who has won 24 caps for Ireland, joined London Irish on a three-year contract at the start of this season.

He previously played for Munster and was selected to tour South Africa with the 2009 Lions. But he suffered a broken ankle while playing for Munster against the Scarlets just a month before the three-Test trip, and was then ruled out of the tour.