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Former Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has revealed he could make his Toulon debut in the next two months after initially fearing he could be sidelined for the entire season.
The veteran lock tore his hamstring during Ireland's Rugby World Cup clash against France at the Millennium Stadium in October and said he could be ruled out for up to eight months.
O'Connell joined Toulon on a two-year deal after the World Cup and stated when he was unveiled on Wednesday that he could feature for the European champions sooner than expected.
After being asked about his fitness, he said: "It's good, it's on the mend. I've been doing physio back in Ireland, so I feel very good doing every day things. I haven't started running yet. Hopefully, I'll be back January or February, I'm not fully sure yet."
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When questioned if he meant he would be able to play that soon, he replied: "I don't know ... January, February, I don't know."
O'Connell is raring to go for his new club, but stated that he is nervous as he prepares to take on a new challenge.
"I feel great, the weather's amazing. It's raining non-stop in Ireland at the moment. I've met the players, stood in for the team photo. A lot of guys, I was really looking forward to meeting," he added.
"I know a lot of the players to say hello to, but I don't really know them. I haven't really met them or had a conversation with them.
"So, I'm looking forward to getting to know them, to getting to know the staff as well. I was in my first meeting [on Wednesday], that was enjoyable, I watched a bit of training. It's all good.
"I like [the jersey], it's very strange for me. I've only ever played for Munster, I've only ever lived in Limerick. It's a big change for me, I'm looking forward to it, but I'm also nervous about it.
"So, I like the jersey and I'm looking forward to wearing it."