The two-time England international has featured once in this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup, in which Newcastle are still chasing a first win – they visit Cardiff Rugby in a crucial Round 3, Pool A clash on January 15.

Tweaks to the Falcons team for the trip to The Recreation Ground see Matias Orlando return at centre in place of Argentinian compatriot Matias Moroni, with wing Ben Stevenson and scrum-half Sam Stuart also called in.

Bath, who are also winless in EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A, have recalled captain Ben Spencer at scrum-half, with hooker Niall Annett, lock Dave Attwood and centre Max Ojomoh brought in as further changes.

In the United Rugby Championship (URC), EPCR Challenge Cup Pool B high-fliers Emirates Lions travel to DHL Stormers. Wing Rabz Maxwane and centre Henco van Wyk come into the backline for the Johannesburg outfit.

Elsewhere, two EPCR Challenge Cup contenders go head-to-head as Zebre Parma entertain Benetton Rugby.

In the TOP 14, RC Toulon, who have a 100%-win record so far in EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A, are away at Pool B basement side Aviron Bayonnais.

Stade Français Paris host Section Paloise, both of whom have one win from two in EPCR Challenge Cup Pool B, while CA Brive visit Lyon and USAP welcome Stade Rochelais.

In Sunday’s URC games, Cardiff Rugby and Scarlets, leaders of EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A and Pool B respectively, host fellow Welsh regions in Ospreys and Dragons.

Full-back Liam Williams starts for the first time since sustaining a shoulder injury on his Cardiff debut in September while hooker Ken Owens will captain Scarlets as the British & Irish Lion returns to the XV.

Dragons, who sit sixth in EPCR Challenge Cup Pool B, are boosted as flanker Taine makes his first start since October following an injury lay-off

Connacht Rugby, fourth in EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A, are away at interprovincial rivals Leinster Rugby, with brothers Niall and Darragh Murray starting together in the second row for the first time.

Prop Trevor Davison is set to make his 100th appearance for Newcastle Falcons as they visit fellow EPCR Challenge Cup strugglers Bath Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday.