O'Driscoll back within a month
Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll will be out for only three to four weeks after a scan delivered a positive diagnosis on his hamstring tear.
O'Driscoll limped off in the 75th minute of Saturday's 16-12 RBS 6 Nations defeat by Wales after being hit by a tackle while stripping the ball on the ground.
It was initially thought the Leinster centre would be sidelined for up to two months but tests revealed the damage was not as severe as first feared.
An Irish Rugby Football Union statement released read: "A scan on Brian O'Driscoll's left hamstring this afternoon has confirmed the presence of a moderate tear.
"The injury is not as bad as was first feared and it is expected that this will prevent him from playing for a period of between three and four weeks."
Leinster currently top the Magners League and the news means O'Driscoll will be available for the title run-in - possibly in time for the home clash with Munster on April 12.
The 29-year-old has already been ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations finale against England but will return well before the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia in June.
O'Driscoll's absence has left Ireland without their first-choice centre partnership against England as Gordon D'Arcy is already missing because of a fractured forearm.
