England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been named on the bench for Newcastle's Premiership trip to face London Irish on Sunday.
Wilkinson, 26, is named on the bench after groin surgery, with his last appearance coming against London Irish back in November.
Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew said: He hasnt played since November, so logically the bench is the best place for him.
There is no premeditated plan of when to bring him on, and if things are going well with the personnel out on the field then it may be that he doesnt come on at all.
He wouldnt be in the 22 if he wasnt fit, and hes done everything with the squad this week as well as coming in last week when most of the squad were rested.