Northampton survived a late scare to snatch a narrow 35-34 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.
England lock Ollie Chessum will return to Leicester Tigers' starting XV on Sunday as his side host Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership.
England captain Maro Itoje will return to captain a Saracens side containing four of his international team-mates during the Guinness Six Nations when they host Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday.
Last week’s post-Christmas block of fixtures took us beyond the halfway point in this season’s Gallagher Premiership and a number of the round nine results have certainly whetted the appetite as English ruby welcomes in the new year.
Ben Waghorn was a starter in the World Rugby U20 Championship final last July in Cape Town with Lucas Friday appearing off the bench against the French.
Glasgow Warriors full-back Ollie Smith is poised to bring his year-long spell on the sidelines to an end on Saturday after receiving a call-up to the Emerging Scotland squad to face Italy at Edinburgh's Hive Stadium.
Northampton Saints have announced the signing of second-row Callum Hunter-Hill, who recently left Saracens.
Fresh from his mid-tour Lions call-up, Marcus Smith has been chosen on the Harlequins bench for Friday's Premiership clash with Bristol.
Fresh from last Friday's World Cup draw boost, Wayne Pivac has announced his autumn Wales squad which includes seven uncapped players.
Marcus Smith rejected the chance to direct England Under-20s’ bid to reclaim the junior world championship title due to his desire for a stiffer challenge against the Barbarians on Sunday.