TEAM NEWS: LONDON IRISH V NEWCASTLE FALCONS
Welch is one of four players to return from injury with centre Jamie Helleur, winger Ryan Shortland and hooker Matt Thompson also back in the fray.
Falcons boss Dean Richards has made three further changes from the side that was defeated at home to Worcester Warriors a fortnight ago. Rugby League convert Lee Smith replaces Danny Barnes at centre, while fly-half Rory Clegg gets the nod with Noah Cato switching to full-back due to Shotland’s inclusion on the wing.
Thompson and loose-head Grant Shiells form a new look front-row alongside tight-head Oliver Tomaszczyk who retains his place.
“On paper London Irish have a fantastic team with Ian Humphreys, Shane Gerahty and James O’Conor in their ranks,” said Newcastle director of rugby Richards, who has masterminded two victories over Irish already this term in the LV= Cup and Aviva Premiership.
“They are a really good team, and with Brian Smith at the helm they are very well-coached so they will be a big threat this weekend.
“We know that we can beat them down there, and we just need to make sure that we go out there and stick to the plan and deliver a performance on the day,” he added.
**Newcastle Falcons:** 15 Noah Cato, 14 Ryan Shortland, 13 Jamie Helleur, 12 Lee Smith, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10 Rory Clegg, 9 Warren Fury, 1 Grant Shiells, 2 Matt Thompson, 3 Oliver Tomaszczyk, 4 Scott MacLeod, 5 Fraser McKenzie, 6 Will Welch (c), 7 Andy Saull, 8 Mark Wilson
**Replacements:** 16 George McGuigan, 17 Gary Strain, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Dom Barrow, 20 Richard Mayhew, 21 Mike Blair, 22 Joel Hodgson, 23 James Fitzpatrick
