Dawson and Sheasby make a return to the back row, while Everitt, who is in the squad for the first time in seven weeks since recovering from a hamstring injury, has been named on the bench.

The injury-list for the Exiles, however, is still lengthy - with Kevin Burke (shoulder), Pierre Durant (neck), Rob Hardwick (knee), Nick Kennedy (knee) and Phil Murphy (hamstring) all still recovering from their respective niggles.

London Irish coach Gary Gold expects a tough encounter at Headingley, with the Exiles’ recent record at the Leeds stronghold not a good one: "We have benefited from the fortnight’s break from competition by training and working hard on our game for the rest of the season.

"Our return to Zurich Premiership action could not be more demanding than an away visit to Leeds Tykes.

"Securing points at Headingley has proved difficult for us over the past two seasons and I have no doubt that Phil Davies and his team will be determined that this will not change on Friday night."

London Irish: 15 Michael Horak, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Geoff Appleford, 12 Rob Hoadley, 11 Justin Bishop, 10 Mark Mapletoft, 9 Darren Edwards, 8 Chris Sheasby, 7 Kieron Dawson, 6 Declan Danaher, 5 Bob Casey, 4 Ryan Strüdwick, 3 Doug Wheatley, 2 Naka Drotské, 1 Neal Hatley.Replacements: 16 Adam Halsey, 17 Adrian Flavin, 18 Kieran Roche, 19 Paul Gustard, 20 Delon Armitage, 21 Kevin Barrett, 22 Barry Everitt.

Kick-off: 20.00 GMT

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