| Newcastle Falcons have handed a starting debut to former England rugby league wing Danny Williams on Friday, as they visit Welsh side Newport Gwent Dragons in the EDF Energy Cup. |
The former Leeds Rhinos man starts in a Newcastle side playing its third game in just eight days, with director of rugby, Steve Bates, also welcoming back former Dragons and Scotland flanker Ross Beattie from an ankle injury. England Under-18s flanker Will Welch makes his first team debut on the openside flank, while England Sevens scrum half Micky Young comes in for his first start of the season. Speaking ahead of his side's Cup opener, Bates said: “We have freshened the team up for this game after two physical matches in the space of just four days against Bristol and Gloucester, and we are looking forward to seeing how this group performs. “Despite a number of changes we still have a big, physical pack and plenty of threat in the backs. We know the Dragons will provide tough opposition, especially down here in Wales, but this team is relishing the challenge.” Newcastle Falcons team to face Newport Gwent Dragons: 15 Steve Jones 14 Ollie Phillips 13 Tom Dillon 12 Spencer Davey 11 Danny Williams 10 Rory Clegg 9 Micky Young 1 Jon Golding 2 Rob Vickers 3 Micky Ward 4 Sean Tomes 5 Tim Swinson 6 Ross Beattie 7 Will Welch 8 Russell Winter Replacements: Andy Long Joe McDonnell Andy Perry Ed Williamson Hall Charlton Tom May Tim Visser |
