Tom Homer has been given the nod to start at full-back for London Irish when they host Exeter Chiefs in the Aviva Premiership on Sunday.

Chris Hala'ufia and Bryn Evans also return to the Exiles starting XV after being rested for last week's LV=Cup clash against Leicester Tigers.

"We have eight players away on international duty and another eight of our first team squad are injured so Sunday will be a real test of our playing resources at present," said London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith.

"Exeter are having a very good run this season and have become a genuine force in the Premiership and Europe; so it will be a tough challenge but one we will be prepared for."

Exeter Chiefs return to league action this weekend with head coach Rob Baxter calling on his side to "show their ambition" at the Madejski Stadium.

Those included on the bench are prop Hoani Tui, who has now recovered fully from his hamstring injury; flanker Tom Johnson, who was released from England duty earlier this week, and Fijian powerhouse Sireli Naqelevuki who is also back from international duty.

London Irish: 15 Tom Homer, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 12 Shane Geraghty, 11 Anthony Watson, 10 Ian Humphreys, 9 Darren Allinson, 8 Chris Hala'ufia, 7 Jamie Gibson, 6 Declan Danaher (c), 5 Bryn Evans, 4 Matt Garvey, 3 Leo Halavatau, 2 Brian Blaney, 1 Max Lahiff
Replacements: 16 Gerard Ellis 17 Richard Palframan, 18 Cai Griffiths, 19 Kieran Low, 20 Alex Gray, 21 Conor Gaston, 22 Steven Shingler, 23 Jack Moates

Exeter Chiefs: 15 Luke Arscott, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Phil Dollman, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Matt Jess, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Haydn Thomas, 8 Richard Baxter, 7 James Scaysbrook, 6 Dean Mumm, 5 James Hanks, Tom Hayes (c), 3 Carl Rimmer, 2 Chris Whitehead, 1 Brett Sturgess
Replacements: 16 Simon Alcott, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Hoani Tui, 19 Aly Muldowney, 20 Tom Johnson, 21 Kevin Barrett, 22 Ignacio Mieres, 23 Sireli Naqelevuki