Edinburgh Rugby has today strengthened the squad for next season by signing Scotland lock Craig Hamilton and Ireland A winger Andrew Maxwell.

Hamilton, who has won five caps, represented the national A team in the Barclays Churchill Cup earlier this month. He joins the Scottish capital club from the Border Reivers on a two-year deal subject to medical.

Maxwell has also played in the Barclays Churchill Cup, for Ireland A, and represented Ireland in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong in 2005. He joins from Ulster where he scored 17 tries in 40 matches, the first and last of his tries and appearances against the Irish province were against Edinburgh. The winger has also signed a two-year contract subject to medical.

Andrew Maxwell said: "I'm looking forward to joining Edinburgh as there is a good buzz at the club and it seems to be moving forward. I have always liked the style of rugby they have played. It's funny the way it's worked out that I'm joining the team I scored against in my first and last games for Ulster."

Craig Hamilton said: "I'm really excited to be joining Edinburgh and giving my all to the club and supporters. I was sorry that the Border Reivers were disbanded so I am delighted to be given a chance to continue playing in Scotland and relishing the chance to play alongside some world-class names."

Head coach Lynn Howells said: "Craig brings height, bulk and experience having played at international level as well as in the English premiership, Magners League and Heineken Cup. Having spoken to his former coaches, they've all spoken very positively about him as a person and a player. I believe he's now coming to the peak of his career and has an opportunity to show what he can do for Edinburgh.

"Andrew has proved when he's played against us that he has pace and is a finisher. He's represented Ulster in both the league and in Europe on many occasions and so brings experience of playing at that level too. He's an out and out winger and has been a valued member of every squad he's played in."

Executive Chairman Alex Carruthers commented: "We are delighted to have signed both Craig and Andrew as these are positions we'd identified as needing strengthening. We're glad to have a player of Craig's stature on board - at 6'8", there are not too many like him - and to be able to offer him a springboard to continue his professional career.

"Andrew is a recognised finisher. Last year, wing was a difficult area for us with injuries to Simon Webster and Chris Paterson, and given both are likely to be at the World Cup, it is important for us to augment the squad. We had several options from overseas, but are delighted to offer Andrew the opportunity to continue his career in the Magners League and Heineken Cup and look forward to him scoring for us rather than against us."