NEWCASTLE Falcons captain Colin Charvis will be available for Friday night's televised match at home to London Irish after being released by Wales.

Charvis played in the heavy defeat by the All Blacks on Saturday, but as that match fell outside the agreed dates for internationals Wales have agreed to compensate the Falcons by not selecting him to face Fiji this weekend.

After he missed the defeat at Gloucester, which left them next to bottom of the Guinness Premiership, Newcastle need Charvis to lead them to victory on what promises to be a big night.

They have sold 8,500 tickets for a match which will be supported by live music, fireworks, drinks promotions, a try-time competition and a pre-match tug-of-war.

With the backing of Metro Radio and Metnor, there will also be the first £5,000 pay-out at a club rugby match to one lucky punter. Five will be invited on to the pitch for a kicking competition to decide the winner.

Newcastle's Scotland Under 21 lock Stuart Walker has signed for Colomiers, near Toulouse, on loan until the end of the season. He is teaching in France as part of his Durham University course.

* York have been drawn at home to holders Morley in the fourth round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup on November 26.

In the Powergen Junior Vase on the same day Sunderland will be at home to North Ribblesdale, Scarborough visit West Park Bramhope, while Houghton face a trip to Yarnbury if they win their rearranged match away to St Edward's Old Boys.