THEY might already be safe from relegation, but Newcastle Falcons are determined to sign off in style when they play their final game of the season against Sale Sharks tomorrow.

Last weekend’s results confirmed London Irish’s demotion to the second tier, so whatever happens at Kingston Park, Falcons will continue to be a top-flight side next season.

Their summer recruitment drive continued yesterday with confirmation of the capture of American forward duo David Tameilau and Nick Civetta, but before they turn their full focus to the 2016-17 season, they want to finish the current campaign on a high note.

They threatened to beat European finalists Saracens last weekend, only to eventually slip to a 23-14 defeat, and while Sale need to win and hope either Northampton or Harlequins lose in order to finish in the top six and claim a Champions Cup place, Falcons head coach John Wells insists his own side still have plenty to play for.

“This season has been tough and challenging,” said Wells. “Last week was a watershed in terms of clearing things up, and in some respects that has taken the pressure off this game. However, that is not to say we aren’t absolutely committed to going out there and beating Sale Sharks on our own patch.

“We want to end on a high by beating Sale and they are a brilliant example for us to look at. They are not full of world stars but they work incredibly hard for each other, they are challenging for Champions Cup qualification and they have something to play for. We have pride, and just the simple fact of wanting to put in a good home performance in front of our own fans.”

Falcons have made seven changes to the side that took the field at Saracens, with leading try scorer Nili Latu returning to captain the team in the absence of Will Welch.

Juan Pablo Socino replaces Adam Powell at inside centre, with Rob Hawkins earning a start at hooker in his final professional game before retiring to pursue a career with the police. Mike Cusack joins him in the front row in his last outing for the club.

Mike Delany comes in at fly-half for Craig Willis, with Calum Green replacing Mouritz Botha and Will Witty dislodging Sean Robinson in the second row.

“I think everybody is looking forward to a break,” said Wells. “It has been long, intense and the structure of this season has tested the strength and morale of squads up and down the league. It has been one of those grind-it-out seasons - a big learning curve, even for guys who have been coaching for 20 years in this division.”

Newcastle Falcons: Hammersley, Tait, Harris, Socino, Watson, Delany, Young; Vickers, Hawkins, Cusack, Green, Witty, M Wilson, Temm, Latu.

Replacements: Lawson, Rogers, Vea, Thompson, Mayhew, Takulua, Willis, Agulla.