O’Connell’s initially feared that he would miss the start of next year’s Six Nations before being handed, at first, a five-week and then a reduced four-week ban due to his good disciplinary record.

However, unsatisfied, O’Connell appealed again against both the length of the ban and the finding of foul play in an attempt to see his January 10 return cut short.

That was thrown out with O’Connell set to play just twice before Ireland’s opening Six Nations clash against Italy on February 5.

The Ireland lock will miss Munster’s next three Magners League matches before returning for their final two Heineken Cup pool games against Toulon and London Irish.