Newcastle Falcons have made eight changes and one positional switch to their side for Monday’s Guinness Premiership trip to NEC Harlequins.

Matthew Burke returns to captain the Falcons after being restricted to a bench appearance in the 40-25 Boxing Day victory over champions Sale Sharks due to the overseas player regulations.

With Kiwi prop Joe McDonnell rested this week, however, Burke is free to start at fullback in place of Anthony Elliott. Samoan international Loki Crichton comes in to the team at fly half as Toby Flood shifts to inside centre following the bang picked up by Mark Mayerhofler against Sale.

The only other change to the back line comes at scrum half where Lee Dickson slots in for James Grindal, while there are five changes in the forwards.

In the front row Jon Golding packs down at loose head in place of McDonnell, while Andy Long starts at hooker for Matt Thompson. Fit-again Andy Perry returns to the second row as Jason Oakes drops to the bench, while blindside flanker Eni Gesinde and openside Brent Wilson replace Geoff Parling and Ben Woods respectively.

Newcastle Falcons team to face NEC Harlequins:

15 Matthew Burke (captain)
14 Tom May
13 Mathew Tait
12 Toby Flood
11 John Rudd
10 Loki Crichton
9 Lee Dickson

1 Jon Golding
2 Andy Long
3 Micky Ward
4 Mark Sorenson
5 Andy Perry
6 Eni Gesinde
7 Brent Wilson
8 Russell Winter

Replacements:

Johnny Williams
Matt Thompson
Jason Oakes
Geoff Parling
Tom Dillon
James Grindal
Anthony Elliott