Edinburgh send Chris Auld and Alex Toolis on loan.

21-year-old Chris Auld. Picture: Ian Georgeson

With immediate effect, Auld will be at London Scottish to provide cover at centre until 26 October, while Toolis, a lock, has joined London Irish until the end of the calendar year.

Dumfries-born Auld learnt his rugby at Dumfries Saints. He progressed through the ranks, earning a call-up to the Scotland under-17 side, before captaining Scotland at under-18 level and being part of the Scotland under-20 set-up.

The 21-year-old kicked off his senior rugby career, aged 18, at Gala and was a member of the team that won the Scottish Cup in 2012. He then joined Edinburgh 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.

“We see this step as a vital one in Chris’ development,” said  Edinburgh Rugby managing director David Davies, “and if we can help Scottish in the process then that is a win for everyone.”

Toolis signed for Edinburgh 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 deal.

The 22-year-old lock, 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. Toolis spent time with Irish last season and remains with  London Irish until the end of December.

Edinburgh’s next Guinness Pro12 fixture is against Dragons at BT Murrayfield this Saturday, 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 face painting as well as masterclasses in rugby and dance. Tickets are available from the  Murrayfield ticket office and www.scottishrugby.org.