CONSISTENCY of selection has been one of the keys to Newcastle Falcons’ strong start to the season, but Dean Richards is sticking to his policy of making wholesale changes for the European Challenge Cup.

Falcons begin their continental campaign with an away game at Welsh side Ospreys tomorrow, and Richards has made 13 changes to the line-up that started last weekend’s Aviva Premiership win over Bristol.

David Wilson and Michael Young are the only players to retain their place in the side, with back rower Harrison Orr making his senior debut after moving from Ealing Trailfinders in the summer and hooker Ben Sowrey also making his first start in the Newcastle pack.

American lock Nick Civetta is another player making his competitive debut, along with Ireland Under-20s full-back, Brett Connon, who featured in the Junior World Championship final in June.

“We went for a bit of stability in terms of the squad over the last six weeks, but there are a lot of boys knocking on the door who deserve an opportunity to play,” said Richards. “They’ll get that chance this weekend, and deservedly so.

“It’s not about developing youngsters, it’s about giving people who deserve the chance, the chance to play. There have been a number of boys who have been outstanding for the A team or coming off the bench for us, and we have been delighted with their performances.

“A lot of these boys are playing well at this moment, so it’s important they get this chance and stake their claim. And there’s no better place to stake your claim than down at the Ospreys.”

As well as freshening up their playing squad, Falcons will also rotate their coaching ranks tomorrow, with skills coach Mark Laycock and forwards coach Micky Ward taking charge.

“There is a long-term view to what we are doing,” said Richards. “We’re not doing it just to change things. Sometimes a change is as good as a rest, but we’re doing well at the moment. For me, it’s about developing the players, developing the coaches as well and keeping things fresh.

“There is a little more onus on these coaches to take certain responsibilities they wouldn’t ordinarily do, and they will be leading it. Next week (line-out coach) Scott MacLeod and (attack coach) Dave Walder will do the same, with (head coach) John Wells taking the defence.”

As well as taking on Ospreys, Falcons will also face French sides Lyon and Grenoble in the group stage of this season’s Challenge Cup.

“The goal is to get into the quarter-finals,” said Richards. “If we can do that, we’ll be delighted. Looking at the squad this year as opposed to last, I think we’re in a far better position.”

Newcastle Falcons: Connon, Watson, Burdon, Willis, Agulla, Hodgson, M Young; Rogers, Sowrey, D Wilson, Witty, Civetta, G Young, Temm, Orr.

Replacements: Nelson, Lockwood, Foster, Botha, Chick, Egerton, Socino, Tait.