Sammy Arnold returns for Newcastle Falcons on Friday when they host Gloucester in the quarter-finals of the Premiership Rugby Cup.

The centre has been out for 13 weeks after sustaining a knee injury from an illegal clear-out during the Gallagher Premiership win against Saracens on November 29, and returns for a Falcons side who enjoy top seeding in the Prem Cup.

The winner of Friday’s game will face Bath or Harlequins in the semi-final, with Newcastle enjoying home advantage should they progress due to their superior record during the group phase.

Oli Spencer starts on the right wing as a head knock rules out Ben Stevenson, with Arnold’s return to the midfield seeing Alex Hearle push out to the wing. Hearle has won the Prem Cup twice in the last three seasons, firstly with Worcester Warriors in 2022 before starting for Gloucester in last season’s victorious final against Leicester Tigers.

Cameron Neild could be set for his home debut after recently returning from a broken arm away to Sale Sharks, and Falcons boss Steve Diamond is determined to give the cup his full attention having won the tournament with Worcester three years ago.

The director of rugby said: “It’s knock-out rugby now, and that’s what players and supporters get excited by. There’s none of this worrying about bonus points or points difference – it’s as simple as win on Friday to see whether or not you’ve got a semi-final next weekend.

“We’ve gone through the qualifying stage as top seed, so we’ve done the job in that respect, and now we’re three games away from our first trophy in 21 years. Callum Chick gave a presentation to the squad this week where he talked about the 2004 cup final being our last proper silverware, and it’s something we’re really going for.”

Bolstered by a handful of returning senior players against the Cherry and Whites, Diamond added: “Sammy Arnold is back in the team, and Cam Neild is back fit. We’re missing a couple of longer term injuries, as every team is, but we’re not in bad shape overall.

“Gloucester are a very good side, and they know what this tournament can do for a club. They’re third in the Premiership and still in Europe, so they’ve really kicked on since winning the Prem Cup last season. I’ve won it myself a couple of times as a coach so I know the bounce it can give you, and I’ve got no doubt they’ll be up for it.

“They’re a side who don’t kick the ball much, they keep it on the field and they’re a fit team who get a lot of momentum from that. We’ve got to be able to challenge them at the breakdown, and our conversion rate will have to be a lot better than it was in our last game at Sale Sharks. We weren’t ruthless enough in taking our opportunities when we got into the opposition 22, and the players are well aware of that.”

Supporters are reminded that Friday’s game is not included in the 2024-25 season ticket, season parking pass or seasonal hospitality package, but the Falcons do have an incredible offer on match tickets.

Those buying quarter-final match tickets will get a FREE semi-final ticket, should Newcastle Falcons make it through to the last four of the competition. That game would take place next weekend at Kingston Park, against the winner of Bath v Harlequins.

Quarter-final tickets start from just £20 for adults and £10 for under-18s, and can be bought by clicking here. Match hospitality is priced just £65 inc VAT for adults and £45 for under-12s by clicking here, with the package including a two-course hot meal, padded seating, private bar and pre-match Q&A.

Diamond said: “The club are pulling out all the stops to get people in by offering free semi-final tickets if we get through, and hopefully Friday will be a great atmosphere. Last weekend we saw more than 8,000 people here for the England Under-20s game, and there’s a real passion for rugby in this area.

“It’s a knock-out game against a good side, and it’s something for everybody to get excited about. It’s also a chance to get momentum back into our league season, and it keeps the kettle boiling, so to speak.”

Friday’s match is not being televised or streamed online, so being there in person is the only way to see all the action.

Newcastle Falcons team v Gloucester Rugby (Friday, 7.45pm, Kingston Park)

15 Elliott Obatoyinbo, 14 Oli Spencer, 13 Sammy Arnold, 12 Max Clark, 11 Alex Hearle, 10 Brett Connon, 9 Sam Stuart; 1 Adam Brocklebank, 2 Jamie Blamire, 3 Murray McCallum, 4 Sebastian de Chaves, 5 Kiran McDonald, 6 Philip van der Walt, 7 Freddie Lockwood, 8 Callum Chick (captain).

Replacements: 16 Ollie Fletcher, 17 Micky Rewcastle, 18 Richard Palframan, 19 John Hawkins, 20 Cameron Neild, 21 Joe Davis, 22 Kieran Wilkinson, 23 Nathan Greenwood.

Gloucester Rugby: 15 Ioan Jones, 14 Louis Hillman-Cooper, 13 Will Butler (captain), 12 Morgan Adderly-Jones, 11 Jack Cotgreave, 10 Charlie Atkinson, 9 Mike Austin; 1 Archie McArthur, 2 Morgan Nelson, 3 Alfie Petch, 4 Freddie Stevens, 5 Josh Gray, 6 Jacob Wells, 7 Caio James, 8 Olly Allport.

Replacements: 16 George Knowles, 17 Harrison Bellamy, 18 Jono Benz-Salomon, 19 Joe Gaffan, 20 Jayden Wrottesley, 21 Charlie Chapman, 22 Max Knight, 23 Matty Ward.

Referee Luke Pearce.