Argentine centre Moroni started last year’s Premiership Final as part of the victorious Leicester side, but is one of two changes for Newcastle, who welcome Leicester to the north-east whilst sitting bottom of Pool A with no points; they travel to face Cardiff Rugby on January 15 in their third EPCR Challenge Cup fixture next week.

Wing Adam Radwan also steps into the home side’s starting XV, while there’s a positional change for captain Tom Penny who starts at full-back rather than centre in order to facilitate Moroni’s return.

EPCR Challenge Cup teams are also in action in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Sunday.

Cardiff Rugby host fellow Welsh region Scarlets in an enticing top of Pool A versus top of Pool B clash: Ben Thomas is set for his 50th appearance for Cardiff, while number eight Carwyn Tuipulotu makes his first start of the season for Scarlets.

The two Italian clubs are in action, with third in Pool B Benetton Rugby welcoming Ulster Rugby to Treviso, and Zebre Parma, sixth in Pool A, tasked with a difficult journey to Edinburgh Rugby: they make eight changes for their trip to Scotland.

Meanwhile Irish province Connacht Rugby host Cell C Sharks in Galway, boosted by the return of Mack Hansen at left wing, while Sunday sees Glasgow Warriors face DHL Stormers.

In the TOP14, CA Brive host RC Toulon in an all-EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A clash, while Aviron Bayonnais travel to Union Bordeaux-Bègles and USAP to Clermont Auvergne. Section Paloise host Lyon, and Stade Français Paris welcome Castres Olympique.

Matias Moroni is set to start for EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A side Newcastle Falcons against his old club Leicester Tigers in their Gallagher English Premiership clash on Saturday.