Munster reiterated last night that Peter O'Mahony is not suffering from the effects of concussion despite coach Rob Penney omitting his captain from tomorrow's squad to face Edinburgh in the opening Heineken Cup tie at Murrayfield.

They also confirmed that O’Mahony successfully passed the return to play protocols – psychometric and physical tests – following a head injury: “All protocol re return to play has been followed and Peter has progressed normally in this regard,” read a Munster statement.

"However, due to the heavy schedule in the upcoming weeks, including Rabo, Heineken and possible international involvement, a decision to omit Peter from this weekend's Heineken Cup game against Edinburgh has been made."

O’Mahony was involved in a knee-to-head clash with Leinster’s Seán Cronin in the 38th minute of last Saturday’s 19-15 victory at Thomond Park.

Not return
Dr Tadhg O'Sullivan, the Munster doctor, decided that the 24-year old would not return for the second-half. "The medical staff made a call at half-time," said O'Mahony last Tuesday. "I probably could have carried on but I think the week that was in it and just to look after themselves as well as me they just pulled me.

“That was probably the right call. I’m feeling very good now. I obviously took a knock but . . . I could still communicate with Romain (Poite), questioning his penalty, I’m sure that’s a good inclination I felt alright.”

Paddy Butler, who played number eight for Shannon against Corinthians last weekend, comes straight into the side at blindside flanker, skipping over South African project player CJ Stander. That's the only change Penney has made with Stephen Archer surprisingly holding off fit again Springbok tighthead prop BJ Botha. Andrew Conway, also past fit, does not make it into the 23-man squad.