Newcastle's European Conference chances were boosted yesterday when tournament organisers announced that the February 1st final will be staged in England if Falcons beat last-four rivals Agen on Saturday week.
Leeds' Headingley ground, home to the city's rugby league club, has been chosen as a provisional venue.
If Newcastle lose, then France are guaranteed to host the final as the other tie is an all-French affair between Colomiers and Stade Francais.
Newcastle, currently boasting an unbeaten Allied Dunbar Premiership record, beat Agen 13-9 in a pre-season friendly last August, but tackle proven opponents who have won all seven previous Conference fixtures this term.
In the French Championship though, it is a different story as Abdel Benazzi's side recently came unstuck 9-3 against Begles-Bordeaux and 21-3 at Heineken Cup semi-finalists Pau.
"We are in no mood to concentrate on the Newcastle game," said Agen coach Jacques Graton. "We've suffered a few blows at the club with regard to results and injuries, and they have dominated our thoughts."
Irishman Bertie Smith has been appointed referee for the Agen/Newcastle tie, with Jim Fleming and Gordon Black as touch judges.
Meanwhile, former England captain Will Carling has been omitted by Harlequins for their London derby with Wasps on Saturday.
Carling pays the price for failing to attend training sessions in recent weeks, during which time he has been ill.
Harlequins coach Andy Keast said: "We have a strict policy that first-team players must train regularly with their colleagues.
"We're professionals now and practice needs to be 100 per cent without absentees. Will knows the policy and accepts the situation."
Lewis Capes, son of ex-international shot-putter and former world's strongest man Geoff Capes, is making the switch from American football to rugby union.
Capes (26), yesterday joined Allied Dunbar Premiership One side Leicester Tigers on a two-year contract from London Monarchs for an undisclosed sum.
He has been training for the past two months, is part of their development team and hopes to work his way into the second XV and eventually into the first team.
"I'm being reviewed by the Tigers every two months. But I'm very hopeful that I can improve and move up," said Capes, a defensive tackle with the World League of American Football side for the last three years.
"I made my debut for the development team last weekend. It was cold and wet, but the toughest thing I found was that I was getting tired late in the game. That's something I will have to work on."
England head coach Lionel Taylor believes that gridiron's loss is rugby's gain.
"He has been a hell of a player for us. If he shows the same commitment in rugby then he will do well," he said.
Capes was named defensive national player on the all-World League team in 1996 when he had a trial with Saracens but was turned down.
Bath have recalled their transfer-listed England A player Richard Butland for Sunday's Allied Dunbar Premiership clash against leaders Saracens at Watford.
Butland, who has requested a move from the Recreation Ground, plays because fly-half Mike Catt is still recovering from concussion suffered during England's defeat by world champions South Africa 11 days ago.
Butland is the only uncapped player in Bath's line-up - one that sees new England full-back Matt Perry revert to his familiar club position of centre alongside Phil de Glanville.
Hooker Andy Long, a 40minute Test debutant against Australia last month, keeps out Mark Regan, while Argentine front-row strongman Federico Mendez aims to prove his fitness when the Bath United reserves' side visit Coventry's second string on Saturday.
Bath's fourth squad hooker Gary French has joined London Scottish on loan, after completing a one-month spell with Llanelli.
Victory on Sunday, meanwhile, would see Bath move to within four points of unbeaten Saracens, providing ideal preparation before tackling Heineken Cup semi-final opponents Pau on Saturday week.
