Scotland international Shaun Longstaff will join forces with former Castres team-mate Gregor Townsend again after completing his move to The Borders.

Centre Longstaff, who left Glasgow Caledonians after three years for France in 2001, will be joined at the newly-created professional team by Scotland A back row forward Andrew Rennick and prop Paul Thompson from New Zealand.

Borders head coach Tony Gilbert said: "The signing of these three players gives us real experience at a professional level. "All three are competing on a world stage now and we expect them to make a valuable contribution to The Borders."

Rennick added: "Not only will this move give me the chance to play in front of home crowds but it will also give me regular exposure to the Scotland selectors.

"Hopefully I will perform well for The Borders team and whatever comes from that in terms of representative rugby, will be a bonus."