London Irish returned to the top of the Guinness Premiership with a seven-try romp against relegation-threatened Newcastle.

Northampton maintained their unbeaten Guinness Premiership home record thanks to tries from Paul Diggin, Ben Foden and Jon Clarke.

Edinburgh forward Ross Rennie faces another long period on the sidelines after undergoing a second knee operation.

Harlequins continue the push for a play-off place against London rivals Wasps on Sunday.