Newcastle Falcons welcome back All Black prop Carl Hayman to their starting XV, as they prepare for Saturday's Guinness Premiership trip to London Irish.

Hayman makes his first start since returning from a knee injury, in a side which sees three other personnel changes from that which drew 16-16 with Worcester last Saturday.

James Grindal starts at scrum half as Micky Young continues to manage a tight hamstring, Micky Ward takes over from Jon Golding at loose head due to a slight neck problem while Geoff Parling starts in the second row in place of Tim Swinson.

On the bench there is a return for wing Danny Williams after scoring tries in each of his last three games, while flanker Ed Williamson is also among the replacements after regaining his fitness.

Newcastle Falcons team to face London Irish:

15 Tom May
14 Tim Visser
13 Jamie Noon
12 Tane Tu'ipulotu
11 John Rudd
10 Rory Clegg
9 James Grindal

1 Micky Ward
2 Matt Thompson
3 Carl Hayman
4 Geoff Parling
5 Mark Sorenson
6 Phil Dowson (captain)
7 Brent Wilson
8 Adam Balding

Replacements:

16 Rob Vickers
17 David Wilson
18 Tim Swinson
19 Ed Williamson
20 Micky Young
21 Steve Jones
22 Danny Williams