Red Bulls looking for seeding spot

NEWCASTLE Red Bulls go to Newport tonight to round off their group campaign, knowing EPCR Challenge Cup progress is in the bag with a game to spare.

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Freddie Lockwood - with the ball - is returning to the fray

(STU FORSTER/GETTY IMAGES)

The unbeaten Red Bulls have already secured a home tie in the round of 16 after seeing off Lyon, Lions and Perpignan. But they aim to cement a seeding which would give them home advantage should they go even further in the competition and they are boosted by the return of a pair of forwards.

Freddie Lockwood returns at No.8 having recovered from a broken hand, with lock Jamie Hodgson returning from his one-game suspension.

The only other change from last week's 26-19 triumph over Perpignan is in the backs where Oli Spencer misses out with a head knock, Cameron Hutchison coming in at centre as Alex Hearle pushes out to the wing.

Senior assistant coach Stephen Jones highlighted the importance of the fixture as the Welsh great prepares to return to his homeland, saying: "This is a massive game for us.