Chris Ashton set to return for Saracens after 13-week ban

Saracens wing Chris Ashton is set to make his first appearance for the club in the Aviva Premiership clash against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday after serving his 13-week ban.

The 29-year-old's ban came after he was seen biting the hand of Northampton Saints prop Alex Waller during a tussle on the floor in their Aviva Premiership game in September.

This will also be his final stint with the double champions as he has agreed to join French club Toulon at the end of the current season.

Ashton, who has played 39 Tests for England between 2010 and 2014 will join the Saracens team which will be captained by Owen Farrell in the absence of Brad Barritt.

Australia international Will Skelton will make his first start for Saracens while Maro Itoje has been moved to blindside flanker.

Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons, who are set to take on Saracens followed by encounters against Wasps and Bath will see the return of Vereniki Goneva and Marcus Watson on the wings.

Newcastle Falcons director Dean Richards is wary of the challenges ahead and is confident of his team coming on top on Saturday's encounter.

"You couldn't ask for anything more difficult than playing the top three teams back to back, and it is a challenge for the boys," Richards said.

"We will take from it what we can, and we are certainly not approaching it with any degree of fear.

"Saracens are without doubt a quality side, as you would expect from the English and European champion

"They have got a squad which reflects that, so for us the challenge is to go down there and knock them off their perch. The boys are definitely up for it."