Connacht have included several Academy players in their starting line-up for tonight's Challenge Cup trip to face Bayonne.

After a bonus-point victory over the French side last weekend, head coach Pat Lam has decided to rotate his panel with the likes of Caolin Blade, Conor Finn and Finlay Bealham all making their first European starts for the province.

That Pool 2 contest will kick-off tonight at 7:45pm while the other game in the group will see leaders Exeter host La Rochelle from 3pm.

Among today's other Challenge Cup matches will see Bernard Jackman's Grenoble side travel to Italy to play Rovigo in Pool 1.