The 3pm kick-off is helping to raise funds for Doddie Weir’s foundation as the Falcons and Melrose great continues his fight with Motor Neurone Disease.

Waldouck skippers a Falcons XV including Under-20s World Cup top points scorer Josh Hodge, with double centurion Alex Tait lining up at full-back.

Welshman Gareth Owen partners Waldouck in midfield, with Brett Connon and Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti providing a homegrown half-back pairing.

Charlie Maddison returns from injury to start at hooker, Trevor Davison and Mike Daniels providing the props with Bailey Ransom and Rob Farrar in at lock.

Back-row ballast comes in the form of Simon Uzokwe, Nemani Nagusa and Guy Graham, with director of rugby Dean Richards urging the North East public to turn out in numbers for a fantastic cause.

“Everyone knows how special Doddie is to this club and to rugby in general,” said Richards.

“He was an incredible competitor on the field who knew how to enjoy himself after the game, and that personality has never changed.

“He has raised a phenomenal amount of money and awareness following his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis, and Saturday’s game is another vital opportunity for all of us to help him in that fight.”

Richards added: “Aside from the obvious fundraising element it’s great to have a home game around Christmas time, with all the sporting tradition associated with this period.

“It’s a time for families and friends to gather together and enjoy watching some live sport in each other’s company, and when you consider it’s all for an incredible cause in Doddie’s foundation I’m sure we can look forward to a great turn-out on the day.”

Tickets for the match are available by [**clicking here**][1], calling 0871 226 6060 or from Kingston Park Stadium in person.

Season ticket members and season parking pass holders are reminded that this game is not included in the 2019-20 package. A full match-day information article is available by [**clicking here**][2].

**Newcastle Falcons XV v Southern Knights (Saturday, 3pm, Kingston Park Stadium)**

15 Alex Tait

14 Josh Hodge

13 Dominic Waldouck (captain)

12 Gareth Owen

11 Chidera Obonna

10 Brett Connon

9 Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti

1 Trevor Davison

2 Charlie Maddison

3 Mike Daniels

4 Bailey Ransom

5 Rob Farrar

6 Simon Uzokwe

7 Guy Graham

8 Nemani Nagusa

**Replacements**

16 Conrad Cade

17 Adam Brocklebank

18 Oscar Caudle

19 Freddie Lockwood

20 Josh Basham

21 Callum Pascoe

22 Joel Matavesi

23 Charlie Wilson

[BLANK] Harry Hill

[BLANK] Will Haydon-Wood

[BLANK] Callum Young

**Referee:** Hamish Smales

[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1536
[2]: https://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/news/story/match-day-info-falcons-xv-v-melrose-on-saturday