Edinburgh re-sign duo Du Preez and Cochrane

Edinburgh have been handed a significant boost ahead of their Guinness Pro12 clash with Cardiff on Saturday after Cornell Du Preez and Neil Cochrane both agreed to extend their time in the Scottish capital.

Hooker Cochrane and number eight Du Preez have signed two-and-a-half-year deals that will see them remain in Edinburgh's colours until summer 2018.

It is encouraging news for Murrayfield head coach Alan Solomons after last week's defeat to Grenoble ended his side's hopes of participating in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Third-placed Edinburgh now travel to Wales to face the Blues this weekend and Solomons - who has made 11 changes to the side that went down in defeat in France  - said: "With Six Nations commitments and a heavy injury toll, Saturday presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the chosen team.

"We will have to be at our best to come away with a result."