England prop Kieran Brookes returns as one of three changes for Newcastle Falcons’ Aviva Premiership trip to London Irish on Saturday.
The tight-head missed their 16-12 loss to Leicester Tigers three weeks ago with a hip-flexor strain but has since made a successful Six Nations comeback for England, coming on from the bench during last weekend’s seven-try victory over France.
The Northampton-bound scrummager’s return means Alex Rogers drops down to the bench, where he is joined by JP Orlandi after the Argentina international passed a fitness test on a pectoral problem.
Countryman Gonzalo Tiesi comes into the side for Juan Pablo Socino, the midfield reshuffle seeing Adam Powell coming one place infield.
The only other change to the Falcons’ side comes on the right wing, where Noah Cato returns in place of Alesana Tuilagi after the Samoan pulled his hamstring in training this week.
Josh Furno is named on the bench in the week the Italian returned from Six Nations duty, Chris Harris also named among the replacements having featured for Championship side Rotherham on dual-registration.
Will Welch captains a Newcastle side still searching for their first league win in six games, Irish, too, striggling for form with only one victory in their last six in all competitions.
That came against basement side London Welsh, interim head coach Glenn Delaney taking charge of the Exiles until Tom Coventry’s arrival in the summer following the departure of Brian Smith to Australia.
Irish welcome back Scotland flanker Blair Cowan and captain Luke Skivington for the 3pm kick-off.
Delaney said: “The St Patrick’s fixture is a great occasion in the London Irish calendar and the players and coaches alike are looking forward to the day.
“Newcastle are playing some great rugby and have a solid driving game and attacking threats in their backline.
“It will be a tough test but one we are relishing.”
NEWCASTLE FALCONS: A Tait, N Cato, G Tiesi, A Powell, S Sinoti, T Catterick, R Tipuna; R Vickers, S Lawson, K Brookes, K Thompson, D Barrow, R Mayhew, W Welch (captain), M Wilson. Replacements: R Hawkins, A Rogers, JP Orlandi, J Furno, A Saull, A Davies, JP Socino, C Harris.
LONDON IRISH: A Fenby, A Lewington, E Griffin, E Sheridan, T Fowlie, S Geraghty, S Steele; T Court, D Paice, H Aulika, G Skivington (captain), N Rouse, C Gilsenan, B Cowan, T Guest. Replacements: J Stevens, M Parr, L Halavatau, J Sinclair, L Narraway, D Allinson, C Noakes, T Ojo.
Referee: G Garner. Kick-off: 3pm.
