Leicester Tigers lose in the Challenge Cup final

Captain Genge is given the Euro chop

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DEPARTING prop Ellis Genge has been left out of the squad for Leicester's game against Connacht with Nephi Leatigaga starting in his place .

scrum-half Ben Youngs returns to the starting XV, while replaces at fly-half.

England star Freddie Steward is on the wing for the hosts, with Dan Kelly coming in at 12.

Eli Snyman is brought into the second row as the Tigers attempt to claim their 13th straight win of the season.

Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick said: “We have made a handful of changes, which provides some opportunities for players who did not feature in last weekend as well as continuing to strengthen the depth in this group.”

Connacht have made six changes to the side that beat 36-9.

Bundee Aki returns from injury to start at 12, while Kieran Marmion is at scrum-half and Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham and Ultan Dillane come into the pack.

Tiernan O'Halloran will start at full-back for the Irish province and Tietie Tuimauga could make his debut off the bench.

Connacht head coach Andy Friend: “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.”

TEAMS

LEICESTER: Hegarty; Steward, Scott, Kelly, Saumaki; Burns, Youngs; Leatigaga, Dolly, Heyes, Wells, Snyman, Martin, Reffell, Wiese

Replacements: Montoya, Whitcombe, Cole, Green, Chessum, Van Staden, Van Poortvliet, Porter

CONNACHT: O'Halloran; Porch, Arnold, Aki, Wootton; Carty, Marmion; Burke, Heffernan, Bealham, Dillane, Murray, Prendergast, Oliver, Butler

Replacements: Delahunt, Tuimauga, Aungier, Fifita, Papali'i, Blade, Fitzgerald, Kilgallen