Easterby returns to club action

Ireland flanker Simon Easterby will make an earlier-than-expected return to club action when he lines up for Llanelli against Ebbw Vale tomorrow.

The Harrogate-born flanker has been out for the entire season after he snapped an Achilles tendon in training last year.

Llanelli manager Anthony Buchanan is delighted to have Easterby back in the team. "He played for our under-21s last week and he was quite comfortable with it," he said. "He enjoyed himself out there so we're going to bring him in for the full fixture.

"It's great to have him back. I'm really glad for Simon. He's had a long, hard season with his injury, so it's great he can come back for the last couple of games.

The giant flanker returns at a pivotal point of Llanelli's season as they need to maintain their good form in their two remaining matches to guarantee a place in Europe next season.

Easterby's next goal will be to join the Ireland squad when they leave for a training camp in Poland in June. The trip will include a practice match against Romania ahead of the resumption of Six Nations action in September.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will be without England star Jonny Wilkinson when they visit Bath in the Premiership play-offs today. The outhalf rests a persistent neck problem. Dave Walder is Wilkinson's likely deputy, with wing Michael Stephenson switching to full back.

Bath go into battle this weekend minus the services of skipper Ben Clarke. The former England backrow forward must serve a one-match ban so Wales under-21 forward Andy Lloyd is a likely back-row starter. Hooker Mark Regan could be replaced by Andy Long.

England and Lions flanker Neil Back is struggling to make Leicester's Welford Road appointment with London Irish today. Back has been laid low by a virus, while prop Graham Rowntree is ill and hooker Dorian West has a stiff back.

London Irish make two changes from the side that secured play-off status through beating Gloucester on Easter Monday, recalling full back Justin Bishop and prop Simon Halford.

Tomorrow's play-off action is at Loftus Road, where in-form Wasps host Heineken Cup semi-finalists Gloucester.