High-flying Edinburgh were handed another double boost last night when Nathan Fowles and Alex Toolis agreed new deals with the rugby club.
Former Sale Sharks scrum-half Fowles and line-out specialist Toolis, who both qualify for Scotland, will stay with the BT Murrayfield-based club for a further year.
The news emerged as preparations for one of Edinburgh’s most crucial sequence of matches were stepped up.
They square up to Zebre on home turf this week in their quest to finish in the top six of the Pro12 league and a ticket to next season’s European Champions Cup.
Then, seven days later, they take on Gloucester in the final of the Challenge Cup at the Twickenham Stoop in London.
Toolis, twin brother of Scotland star Ben, said: “After spells with London Irish and Glasgow, I am loving life with Edinburgh.
“I am training hard and looking forward to taking this opportunity with both hands.”
Fowles declared: “I am delighted to be remaining with Edinburgh.
“They have a great backroom staff and are an ambitious club.
“We’ve seen that in the last few weeks, going from the quarter-final through to a first European final for the club, which is massive and I’m excited to be part of it.
“The final will be a massive occasion for everyone.”