Bundee Aki is poised to make a first start for Connacht in almost two months on Sunday.
The Irish centre - who has been hampered by a knee injury - has been named in the side to face Leicester in the Heineken Champions Cup.
His inclusion is one of six changes from the team that started against Stade Francais last week.
Kieran Marmion is handed a starting role at out half, while Tiernan O'Halloran is named at full-back.
After his late withdrawal last week, Finlay Bealham starts, while hooker Dave Heffernan is promoted from the bench.
Ultan Dillane is also in from the start for the tie at Welford Road.
After their bonus point win over Stade in the first round, head coach Andy Friend is under no illusions of the challenge poised by Premiership leaders Leicester.
“We’re under no illusions we face one of the biggest challenges in European rugby on Sunday, but it’s also very exciting and exactly the kind of occasion you want to play in.
"We’ve brought in a lot of experience which will stand to us for a game like this, and there’s some powerful options on the bench as well.
"Tietie Tuimauga has settled in very well so Sunday will be a great stage for him to make his debut if called upon.”
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS LEICESTER TIGERS
Sunday 19th December, 13:00 @ Mattioli Woods Welford Road
Number/Name/Caps ( * denotes uncapped)
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (195)
14. John Porch (45)
13. Sammy Arnold (24)
12. Bundee Aki (112)
11. Alex Wootton (25)
10. Jack Carty (167) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (194)
1. Mattthew Burke (31)
2. Dave Heffernan (152)
3. Finlay Bealham (166)
4. Ultan Dillane (121)
5. Niall Murray (23)
6. Cian Prendergast (16)
7. Conor Oliver (28)
8. Jarrad Butler (81)
Replacements
16. Shane Delahunt (108)
17. Tietie Tuimauga *
18. Jack Aungier (21)
19. Leva Fifita (3)
20. Abraham Papali’i (16)
21. Caolin Blade (138)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (42)
23. Diarmuid Kilgallen (4)
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