England scrum-half Nick Duncombe has signed a new two-year contract with Harlequins.

Duncombe made a surprise appearance in Clive Woodward's squad for the Lloyds TSB Six Nations clash with Scotland in February despite playing only a handful of club games.

The 20-year-old also appeared as a replacement against Ireland, although he was not selected for the forthcoming Argentina tour and instead will concentrate on England Sevens duty in Cardiff this weekend.

Chris Bell, Rob Jewell, Scott Bemand and Luke Sherriff have also committed themselves to the club over a similar period, giving Quins a major lift after their Zurich Premiership struggles this season.

"Over the last couple of years, the identification and development of young players at the club has been given a high priority," said Quins chief executive Mark Evans. "As we seek to build the future on firm foundations, I am delighted that this group of talented young men have agreed to pledge their loyalty and commitment to Harlequins, even though a number of them had alternative offers."

Ex-Harlequins and former England fly-half Mark Mapletoft has signed to London Irish on a two-year contract. The 31-year-old stand-off was released by Quins at the end of the season but has been snapped up by the Powergen Cup winners and will link up for pre-season training on July 1.

"We are pleased to have signed a player of Mark's experience to augment our resources in the key fly-half position," said Irish director of rugby Conor O'Shea. "He will play an important role in our first campaign in next season's Heineken Cup."