Keith Wood returns to the NEC Harlequins team for this Saturday's (16th March 2002) game against Newcastle Falcons in the Zurich Premiership at the Stoop, kick-off 3.00pm. He has missed the last three months due to a calf injury he picked-up in the Powergen Cup victory over Sale Sharks on 15th December last year. Wood will also captain the side and he is one of five changes to the team that lost to London Irish last weekend.

Wood replaces Ace Tiatia and the other change in the pack sees Tu Tamarua return to the open side flank in place of the injured Pat Sanderson.

It was well reported earlier in the week that Ben Gollings was withdrawn last Saturday from the England 7's squad for the Beijing tournament and he starts at full back in place of the injured David Slemen.

The other changes to the back division see Chris Bell replace Nick Burrows in the centre and Matt Moore starts on the left wing in place of Dan Luger, who drops to the bench.

"We are delighted that Keith has declared himself fit and is able to lead the team on Saturday," said Mark Evans, NEC Harlequins Chief Executive. "Everyone knows that this is an important game for NEC Harlequins and it will be a huge boost to the squad and our supporters to see Keith run out at the Stoop on Saturday afternoon."

"Over the last 18 months we have played Newcastle five times; the record is two wins apiece and one draw. All the games have been close and I can see no reason why this weekend's clash should be any different."

The full team is as follows:

15. Ben Gollings
14. Rob Jewell
13. Will Greenwood
12. Chris Bell
11. Matt Moore
10. Paul Burke
9. Nick Duncombe
1. Jason Leonard
2. Keith Wood (Capt.)
3. Adrian Olver
4. Alex Codling
5. Steve White-Cooper
6. Roy Winters
7. Tu Tamarua
8. Tony Diprose

Replacements:
16. Tani Fuga
17. Bruce Starr
18. Garrick Morgan
19. Luke Sherriff
20. Matthew Powell
21. Mark Mapletoft
22. Dan Luger