Boxing Day sees Newcastle Falcons welcome Sale Sharks in the Premiership, and the hosts come into the game having recorded a bonus point win over Worcester Warriors in their solitary EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A game.

Newcastle full-back Mike Brown is in line for his 250th Premiership appearance, while captain Mark Wilson is expected to make his first appearance of the season from the bench

Meanwhile, Saracens and Worcester will be looking to respond to their respective EPCR Challenge Cup Round 1 losses when they go head-to-head at StoneX Stadium.

Aled Davies and co-captain Alex Goode return as half-backs for Saracens, while Wales internationals Ashley Beck and Scott Baldwin are in at centre and hooker respectively for Worcester.

No.8 Olly Cracknell and hooker Agustin Creevy start for London Irish at Wasps fresh from their try braces against Section Paloise in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Gloucester Rugby are away at Bath Rugby in a West Country Derby and have made just one change to the starting side that overcame Benetton Rugby 54-25 in the EPCR Challenge Cup, recalling centre Mark Atkinson.

Boxing Day’s TOP 14 fixtures see USAP and CA Brive entertain Castres Olympique and ASM Clermont Auvergne respectively.

The following day EPCR Challenge Cup Pool B leaders Lyon are away at Stade Rochelais, while Pool A toppers RC Toulon welcome Union Bordeaux-Bègles. Biarritz Olympique entertain Montpellier Hérault Rugby and Section Paloise travel to Racing 92.

Elsewhere on Monday, Edinburgh Rugby will be hoping to carry the momentum from their EPCR Challenge Cup win over Saracens into their game at Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship.

Following back-to-back weekends of thrilling EPCR Challenge Cup games, the festive period brings a host of Gallagher Premiership, United Rugby Championship and TOP 14 fixtures.