Brian O'Driscoll out for the season

Leinster Rugby will have to play the remainder of the season without centre Brian O'Driscoll.

The Ireland captain will undergo surgery next week to correct a trapped nerve in his shoulder.

The operation is expected to keep the 32-year-old out of action for at least six months.

As a result, O'Driscoll will miss Leinster's Heineken Cup pool games and will also play no part for Ireland in their Six Nations campaign at the start of next year.