Aki and Sexton return for Connacht v Leinster clash

Bundee Aki has been named in the Connacht team to face Leinster in tomorrow's Heineken Champions Cup clash at the Sportsground (8pm).

The Ireland centre makes a first appearances since the Six Nations clash against Scotland on 19 March.

There’s also a first start of the season for Gavin Thornbury after coming off the bench in last weekend’s URC win over Benetton in Italy.

Jarrad Butler also returns for the round-of-16 first-leg match after missing the Treviso victory through injury.

He forms a back row with flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver, while Leva Fifita partners Thornbury.

The front row of Matthew Burke, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham is unchanged. Captain Jack Carty starts at 10 beside Kieran Marmion, while Aki will have Tom Farrell for company at outside centre.

A back three of full-back Tiernan O’Halloran and wingers Mack Hansen and John Porch completes the side.

As expected, Ireland and Leinster skipper Johnny Sexton returns to the visitors' squad after being rested for the last two matches.

The St Mary’s College man will be joined in the half-backs by Luke McGrath, playing inside the same back line that started the 34-19 URC win against Munster.

Hugo Keenan remains at full-back with Jimmy O’Brien, scorer of four tries in Leinster’s last European outing, and James Lowe on the wings.

Garry Ringrose once again partners Robbie Henshaw in midfield.

Leo Cullen has made wholesale changes to the front five with Cian Healy, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Ross Molony and Josh Murphy coming in.

The back row of Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan goes unchanged.

The teams met two weeks ago with Leinster running out 45-8 winners at the Sportsground. The second leg takes place at the Aviva Stadium on Friday week