All Blacks prop Carl Hayman will make his full debut for Newcastle in Friday night’s European Challenge Cup clash against Connacht.
Hayman, who appeared off the bench during last weekend’s EDF Energy Cup loss to Wasps, is among five Falcons changes from that game.
Newcastle rugby director John Fletcher said: "Carl played 40 minutes at Wasps last weekend after being in the country for four days and having only trained once with the team.
"I thought he made a good contribution, even in those circumstances, and with the jet lag now out of his system and a good week of training under his belt, we are looking forward to seeing how he goes."
Elsewhere in the Falcons side, England centre Mathew Tait remains at full-back, with a fit-again Jonny Wilkinson starting his second game since the World Cup final almost seven weeks ago.
