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Anthony Watson returns for Bath Rugby's Friday trip to Newcastle

Bath Rugby have released their squad for the game at Kingston Park, home of the Newcastle Falcons, and Anthony Watson makes a return after a broken jaw.

Watson made his return in the New Years Eve defeat to Exeter but this will be his first start since October.

Aled Brew and Semesa Rokoduguni, the club’s leading try scorer this season, will be on the wings while Jonathan Joseph and Ben Tapuai will continue their exciting partnership in the midfield, and George Ford and Darren Allinson are at fly-half and scrum-half respectively.

In an unchanged front row for Bath’s first game of 2017, Tom Dunn will be supported either side by Max Lahiff and Nathan Catt.

The towering presence of Elliott Stooke and Luke Charteris make up a physical second row, while Tom Ellis and Francois Louw continue at blindside and openside flanker. Zach Mercer completes the starting line-up at number eight, with the 19-year-old facing the side that he made his Aviva Premiership debut against back in September where the Blue, Black and White’s triumphed 58-5.

Hooker Jack Walker and centre Robbie Fruean could make their first team bow against the Falcons off the bench, and Chris Cook makes his return to the squad after injury.

Bath Rugby team to face Newcastle Falcons

15. Anthony Watson

14. Semesa Rokoduguni

13. Jonathan Joseph

12. Ben Tapuai

11. Aled Brew

10. George Ford (co-captain)

9. Darren Allinson

1. Nathan Catt

2. Tom Dunn

3. Max Lahiff

4. Elliott Stooke