Charteris and Mercer feature in a pack that sees five changes – four personnel and one positional. Welsh international Charteris links up with Dave Attwood in the second row for his first appearance in the Blue, Black and White, with Mercer lining up alongside Charlie Ewels, who moves to the blindside flank, and David Sisi, who makes his first start of the season on the openside.

In the front row, Ross Batty continues at hooker, flanked by Nick Auterac on the loosehead side (fresh from making his 50th appearances against Northampton last time out), and Kane Palma-Newport at tighthead, who is also making his first start of the term.

The backline is unchanged, with Kahn Fotuali’i and George Ford, who captains the side, pulling the strings in the half-back positions. Matt Banahan and Semesa Rokoduguni maintain their guard on the wings, as Max Clark and Jonathan Joseph partner up in the midfield. Tom Homer provides the threat from fullback.

Todd Blackadder, Director of Rugby, is looking forward to his first experience of a matchday at the Rec: “We’re really excited about running out at the Rec tomorrow – us new guys have been told about what a great atmosphere it is, and we really can’t wait to experience it ourselves.

“We’ve got a few knocks in the squad, but it’s such a great opportunity for the young guys to step up and show us what they can do. It’s a good test of the depth of the squad, and we’re really looking forward to the likes of Zach Mercer, who is making his senior debut for the Club, getting out there and giving it his all.”

Bath Rugby team to face Newcastle Falcons

15. Tom Homer

14. Semesa Rokoduguni

13. Jonathan Joseph

12. Max Clark

11. Matt Banahan

10. George Ford ( c )

9. Kahn Fotuali’i

1. Nick Auterac

2. Ross Batty

3. Kane Palma-Newport

4. Luke Charteris

5. Dave Attwood

6. Charlie Ewels

7. David Sisi

8. Zach Mercer

Replacements

16. Tom Dunn

17. Beno Obano

18. Max Lahiff

19. Elliott Stooke

20. Levi Douglas

21. Chris Cook

22. Rhys Priestland

23. Jeff Williams

Not selected due to injury/international absence: Taulupe Faletau, David Denton, Guy Mercer, Tom Ellis, Matt Garvey, Anthony Watson, Henry Thomas, Nathan Catt, Jack Walker, David Wilson, Niko Matawalu, Francois Louw.

Bath Rugby debuts for Charteris and Mercer against Newcastle

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