STUART Hooper and Jonathan Joseph return to Bath's starting line-up for the Aviva Premiership clash against Newcastle Falcons at the Rec tomorrow (5pm).

Club captain Hooper takes his place in the second row alongside Dominic Day, with Charlie Ewels shifting to the blindside flank.

David Sisi and Leroy Houston form the rest of the back row at openside and number eight respectively, while the front row of Nathan Catt, Ross Batty and Henry Thomas continues.

Micky Young partners Gavin Henson in the half-backs, as Joseph is named at outside centre with Ollie Devoto on the inside.

Matt Banahan shifts out to the wing, with Olly Woodburn lining up on the opposite side and Luke Arscott completing the team at full-back.

Among the replacements, there is a welcome return to Matt Garvey, who could make his first appearance this season if called upon from the bench.

Meanwhile, prop Grant Shiells has been released by Bath to join Edinburgh Rugby.

Scottish-born prop Shiells, who arrived in the summer, is being allowed to leave to seek more game time, and will join up with his new club this week.

Bath head coach Mike Ford said: “It’s a shame to see Grant go, as he had settled in well here at Bath.

"However, we are fortunate to have good strength in depth in the front row and so game time has been limited for Grant.

"We know it’s important for him to keep developing as a player, and we wish him all the best with Edinburgh.”

Bath: 15. Luke Arscott, 14. Olly Woodburn, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Ollie Devoto, 11. Matt Banahan, 10. Gavin Henson, 9. Micky Young, 1. Nathan Catt, 2. Ross Batty, 3. Henry Thomas, 4. Stuart Hooper (captain), 5. Dominic Day, 6. Charlie Ewels, 7. David Sisi, 8. Leroy Houston.

Replacements: 16. Tom Dunn, 17. Nick Auterac, 18. Kane Palma-Newport, 19. Matt Garvey, 20. Tom Ellis, 21. Max Northcote-Green, 22. Chris Cook, 23. Richard Lane