Newcastle v Gloucester: Teams

Newcastle skipper James Hudson returns after two months out for the clash with Gloucester.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined since tearing his hamstring against Exeter back in September.

The return of Hudson is one of eight changes to the Falcons line up for the visit of the Cherry and Whites.

Jimmy Gopperth, Luke Eves and Luke Fielden all return to the backline, with Jeremy Manning moving to full-back and Tarne Tu'ipulotu included on the bench.

In the pack Grant Shiells, Rob Vickers and Tim Ryan team up in the front row, while there are also starts for Brent Wilson and Ally Hogg.

"It's good to see James Hudson and Tarne Tu'ipulotu coming back in to the squad," said Falcons boss Alan Tait.

"It's been good to see them back on the training field and hearing their voices again.

"They're always upbeat on the training pitch and they could have a major impact on how we change things around."

Challenge

Gloucester coach Bryan Redpath has opted against making many changes as he looks for his side to maintain their fine form.

Freddie Burns replaces the injured Olly Morgan, while Jim Hamilton has been freed from international duty to return to the second row.

"The conditions do present a challenge and I think that Newcastle are obviously very au fait with working the conditions up there," Newcastle assistant coach Carl Hogg said.

"We need to be smart if we want to go on the road and be successful and we've got to manage the game correctly."

"Our mental approach to the game is key. If we get our approach right and, we arrive at Kingston Park in the right frame of mind, then we're looking forward to the challenge."

Newcastle: 15 Jeremy Manning, 14 Luke Fielden, 13 Gcobani Bobo, 12 Luke Eves, 11 Charlie Amesbury, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Ally Hogg, 7 Redford Pennycook, 6 Brent Wilson, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 James Hudson, (c) 3 Tim Ryan, 2 Rob Vickers, 1 Grant Shiells
Replacements: 16 Joe Graham, 17 Micky Ward, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Glen Townson, 20 Will Welch, 21 Hall Charlton, 22 Tant Tu'ipulotu, 23 Tom Catterick.

Gloucester: 15 Freddie Burns, 14 Charlie Sharples, 13 Henry Trinder, 12 Eliota 11 Fuimaono-Sapolu, 10 James Simpson-Daniel; 9 Tim Taylor, 8 Jordi Pasqualin, 7 Nick Wood, 6 Olivier Azam, 5 Paul Doran-Jones 4 Jim Hamilton, 3 Alex Brown, 2 Brett Deacon, 1 Andy Hazell
Replacements: 16 Darren Dawidiuk, 17 Yann Thomas, 18 Pierre Capdevielle, 19 Peter Buxton, 20 Matt Cox, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Tim Molenaar, 23 Lesley Vainikolo.