Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard has welcomed the return of three of his stars against Newcastle Falcons as they go in search of a second home league win of the season.

Mike Brown, Nathan Earle and Joe Marchant are all named in the side that face the Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership at the Stoop tonight.

All three return from the England squad to make up the back line alongside Charlie Mulchrone, Marcus Smith, Ben Tapuai and Aaron Morris.

The front row is unchanged from last week’s trip to Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Rugby Cup while former England international Joe Marler is on the bench.

Alex Dombrandt keeps a spot in the back-row following three eye-catching performances in as many weeks, starting at blindside flanker.

James Chisholm comes in as captain at Number eight with Jack Clifford starting at openside.

Quins sit sixth in the table after the opening six games of the season, with only two wins but four losing bonus points.

They will be looking to add to their victories so far this season against Newcastle, who are rooted to the foot of the table.

Gustard said: “We welcome Mike [Brown], Nathan [Earle] and Joe [Marler] back into the first team and look forward to the attacking intent and sharpness that they can bring to our back line.

“We are disappointed that they are not representing England this weekend but as a club it is a great boost for our squad to be able to include players of their calibre for this match.

“As a club we are moving forward showing consistent improvement in our training and preparation which is evident in the tenacity on the Saturday.

“However, we are determined not just to be tenacious and hard working!

“We are Harlequins and we dream bigger and aspire to be better. We have the opportunity on Friday to show the growth we are making and get the result that we want.”