The Scotland international is back in the XV alongside fellow British & Irish Lion Rory Rutherland, who lines up at prop, in a further boost for Worcester, who have completed all their Challenge Cup Pool A games and need results to go their way in Round 5 next weekend to reach the Round of 16.

There are two further changes to the Warriors side as scrum-half Gareth Simpson and flanker Kyle Hatherell come in.

Newcastle, who could contribute to Worcester’s elimination from the Challenge Cup when they play Zebre Parma next weekend, have made two alterations to their starting team, calling in fly-half Brett Connon and flanker Josh Basham.

Meanwhile, two clubs who have confirmed places in the Challenge Cup Round of 16 go head-to-head as Gloucester Rugby host Wasps.

Gloucester, who have qualified through Pool B with a game to spare, have made six tweaks to the side which started their previous Premiership encounter, naming a new-look midfield pairing in Chris Harris and Mark Harris.

Wing Louis Rees-Zammit returns, with fly-half Adam Hastings, hooker Jack Singleton and prop Val Rapava-Ruskin also brought in.

Wasps, who are entering into the Round of 16 following their elimination from the Heineken Champions Cup, have called in fly-half Charlie Atkinson, scrum-half Will Porter and prop Tom West.

There are two further sides dropping into the Challenge Cup Round of 16 who are in Premiership action on Saturday, as Northampton Saints host Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby travel to Exeter Chiefs.

Tommy Freeman is named on the wing in the only change to the Saints lineup, while Bath wing Joe Cokanasiga makes his first start of the season.

Elsewhere, in the United Rugby Championship, Challenge Cup Pool C contenders Edinburgh Rugby are away at Lions and have welcomed back a contingent of Scotland internationals in props Pierre Schoeman and WP Nel, hooker Stuart McInally, lock Grant Gilchrist and wing Darcy Graham.

The Wales trio of wing Josh Adams, lock Seb Davies and scrum-half Tomos Williams return for Cardiff Rugby, another team falling into the Challenge Cup Round of 16, as they visit Scarlets, while Pool B hopefuls Benetton Rugby entertain Connacht Rugby.

In the TOP 14, two sides who have 100%-win records in the Challenge Cup pool stage and have sealed their Round of 16 spots face off as Lyon host RC Toulon.

Meanwhile, Pool A outfit Biarritz Olympique take on Pool C counterparts Section Paloise at Parc des Sports Aguiléra, and confirmed Round of 16 side Castres Olympique welcome Stade Toulousain.

Pool C’s CA Brive face a trip to ASM Clermont Auvergne while Pool B’s USAP host Montpellier Hérault Rugby.

On Sunday, London Irish, who have sealed their passage to the Round of 16 through Pool C, entertain Harlequins.

Wing Duhan van der Merwe, who has scored two tries in three EPCR Challenge Cup games this season, returns for Worcester Warriors as they welcome Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday.