HEIJDEN READY FOR DEBUT

Newcastle Falcons lock Andrew van der Heijden is about to be handed his debut for his new club. The New Zealand second-rower, 26, has been forced to wait for his chance after picking up the injury in his last game for Auckland last November.

“I’ve been raring to go for two months and it’s finally come along,” Van der Heijden told BBC Newcastle.

“I’m fully fit, it’s always tough watching from the bench.”