WITH immediate effect, Edinburgh Rugby announce the temporary loan of players Chris Auld to London Scottish and Alex Toolis to London Irish. Further to an approach from Scottish, Auld will be with the club until 26 October to provide cover at centre while lock Toolis will remain with Irish until the end of the calendar year.

Edinburgh Rugby managing director David Davies said: "We see this step as a vital one in Chris' development and if we can help Scottish in the process then that is a win for everyone.” Dumfries-born Auld learnt his rugby at Dumfries Saints where he progressed through the ranks, earning a call-up to the Scotland under-17 side, captaining Scotland at under-18 and being part of the Scotland under-20 set-up.

The 21-year-old kicked off his senior rugby career, aged 18, at Gala RFC and was a member of the team that won the Scottish Cup in 2012. He joined Edinburgh Rugby as a BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy player for season 2013/14 and has played a key role in recent Edinburgh A fixtures as well as continuing to be available for Gala.

Lock Alex Toolis signed for Edinburgh Rugby in summer 2013 from Queensland, along with his twin brother Ben, initially as a BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy player, prior to securing a full-time contract.

The 22-year old, whose mother Linda is from Carluke in Lanarkshire, has made two full appearances for the club, in addition to a try-scoring performance for Edinburgh A against Sale Jets and performances for his draft club, Edinburgh Accies.

Alex spent time with Irish last season and remains with London Irish until the end of December.

Edinburgh Rugby take on Dragons in round 6 of the Guinness PRO12 at BT Murrayfield on Saturday 11 October, kicking off at 2.40pm. In addition to the game, the club is hosting a family fun day on the back pitches with music, sumo wrestling, inflatables and facepainting as well as masterclasses in rugby and dance on show. Tickets can be purchased in advance at £20 (adults), £10 (seniors & students) and £5 (under-18s) from the Ticket Centre and at www.scottishrugby.org.