Provinces announce Heineken Cup starting teams

Munster captain Peter O'Mahony has been left out of Munster's squad for this weekend's Heineken Cup opener against Edinburgh.

The province say that the flanker could have played in Murrayfield if needed, but have decided instead to rest him after picking-up a knock to the head during last weekend's win over Leinster.

Paddy Butler will deputise for O'Mahony at blindside flanker, while Paul O'Connell will captain the team.

There is one change to the back-line, with Conor Murray replacing Duncan Williams at scrum-half.

Earlier, Leinster revealed that Brian O'Driscoll is struggling to be fit for their opening pool game against the Ospreys.

Brendan Macken is now expected to be named at outside centre in what will be his first Heineken Cup start.

Meanwhile, Ulster have left both Ruan Pienaar and Iain Henderson on the bench for tomorrow's clash with Leicester at Ravenhill.

And Connacht have been boosted by the return of veteran second-row Michael Swift for tomorrow's match-up with Saracens at the Sportsground.