The 34-year-old was part of the Saints team who reached the European Cup final in 2011 and could add to his tally of 69 European appearances when Northampton get their Heineken Champions Cup campaign under way at home to Racing 92 on December 21.

He comes into starting XV alongside No.8 Juarno Augustus for the clash with the league leaders, with centre Matt Proctor, prop Ehren Painter and winger Tom Collins also earning recalls.

Prop Francois van Wyk starts for the Tigers, as does lock Eli Snyman, while Richard Wigglesworth forms a half-back pairing with George Ford and full-back Freddie Burns makes his second start of the season.

Elsewhere in the Gallagher Premiership, Bath Rugby host fellow Heineken Champions Cup side Wasps at The Recreation Ground and introduce flanker Richard de Carpentier for his first start following his summer move from Worcester Warriors, while wingers Will Muir and Semesa Rokoduguni are recalled.

Wasps have made 12 changes to the side beaten by Saracens last weekend. Winger Zach Kibirige, flanker Thomas Young and centre Jimmy Gopperth retain their starting places, while hooker Gaby Oghre and prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen are both in line for their 50th appearances for the club.

Winger Luke Morahan will turn out for Bristol Bears for the first time this season when they travel to London Irish, with prop John Afoa also making his first start of the campaign.

Sale Sharks, also away at EPCR Challenge opposition in Worcester Warriors, have tweaked the team who lost to Leicester last time out, recalling winger Denny Solomona, flanker Ben Curry and prop Coenie Oosthuizen.

In Saturday’s TOP 14 action, Union Bordeaux-Bègles welcome ASM Clermont Auvergne in the solitary all-Heineken Champions Cup clash.

Montpellier Hérault Rugby and Castres Olympique both have home games against EPCR Challenge Cup opposition, in Lyon and CA Brive respectively.

Stade Rochelais, last season’s Heineken Champions Cup finalists, travel to USAP, while Stade Français Paris visit Section Paloise.

Northampton Saints have recalled experienced back-row forward Tom Wood for their Gallagher Premiership game at home to Heineken Champions Cup rivals Leicester Tigers on Saturday.