The 29-year-old has notched 99 points across 24 Challenge Cup games – a tally he will hope to add to when Newcastle get this season’s campaign under way at home to Worcester Warriors on December 10.

Hodgson is one of four changes to the XV who started at Gloucester Rugby a fortnight ago, with centre George Wacokecoke, prop Richard Palframan and lock Will Montgomery the others.

Saturday will also see Worcester’s Ethan Waller hit a milestone, with the prop poised to bring up 100 games for the EPCR Challenge Cup club as they too travel to Heineken Champions Cup opposition in Bristol Bears.

Injury and international call-ups have forced Warriors into three changes, with starts handed to winger Perry Humphreys, lock Andrew Kitchener and No.8 Matt Kvesic.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Saracens host London Irish in an all-EPCR Challenge Cup match-up at StoneX Stadium.

Prop Alec Clarey and No.8 Ben Earl come into the Saracens pack, while a reshuffle of the backs sees centre Duncan Taylor, winger Rotimi Segun and full-back Elliott Obatoyinbo return.

Irish have rejigged the forwards who started last weekend’s loss at home to Bristol Bears, with captain Matt Rogerson switching to No.8 as flankers George Nott and Tom Pearson are brought in.

Lock Adam Coleman, prop Marcel van der Merwe and hooker Agustin Creevy also start, as does winger Kyle Rowe and centre Terrence Hepetema.

In Saturday’s TOP 14 action, two EPCR Challenge Cup teams go head-to-head as Section Paloise entertain Biarritz Olympique.

Lyon and CA Brive are at home to Castres Olympique and Racing 92 respectively, while USAP visit Stade Toulousain.

Sunday’s TOP 14 game sees three-time Challenge Cup finalists RC Toulon travel to ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Fly-half Joel Hodgson will play his 150th game for EPCR Challenge Cup side Newcastle Falcons on Saturday as they visit Heineken Champions Cup counterparts Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership.