Meanwhile, Sione Kalamafoni, Ben Morgan and Jonny May take their places on the bench following World Cup duty.

For Gloucester, Twelvetrees partners Heinz at half-back in a line-up that largely resembles that of Gloucester's pre-season campaign, and boast a considerable amount of Premiership experience.

Newcastle's only victory over Gloucester in their last five meetings occurred in round 8 of last season's Aviva Premiership, when they ran out 20-10 victors at Kingston Park.

Good evening and welcome to Ultimate Rugby's coverage of this evening's Aviva Premiership opener. Newcastle Falcons entertain Gloucester in a promising encounter at at Kingston Park. Both sides have shown poor form in season openers to date. The Falcons last won an opener in 2007, whilst Gloucester's last opening victory dates back to 2009. In addition, Gloucester have not won on the road since beating Brive in the ECC last January.