Alastair Kellock and Mike Blair have handed a timely boost to Scottish rugby by extending their stays with their clubs. The captains of Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh respectively have turned down attentions from elsewhere to play their rugby in their home country.

With Scotland’s Six Nations campaign getting underway at Murrayfield on Sunday with a match against France, the news that two of the nation’s most influential players have underlined their commitment to the country’s two professional clubs is recognition of the progress both are making.

Blair had been linked with a move to Magners League rivals Ulster recently but the 28-year-old has elected to extend his stay in the capital by a further two years.

The Scotland co-captain won’t be involved in Sunday’s curtain raiser as he continues his comeback from injury but he has been training with the squad and could feature for the ‘A’ squad in their game with Ireland on Friday evening.

"I'm pleased to have signed a new deal,” said Blair. “Edinburgh are an ambitious team capable of challenging for honours - both in the Magners League and in Europe.

"I'm excited about playing a part in the continuing progress and development of Edinburgh.  I was honoured to be asked to lead the side at the start of last season and now I want to help Edinburgh to challenge for a play-off spot.”

His inter-city rival Kellock is in the team to take on Les Bleus at the weekend and will be joined by eight of his Firhill team mates in a Scotland team that features just three players who aren’t plying their trade in this country.

The Warriors lead the way in the Magners League table this season and their continuous improvement contributed to Kellock’s decision to stick with the side he has played for since 2006.

"We're playing good rugby, have continuously improved during my four years at the club and I can see us continuing to do that,” he said. “We've built up a good team spirit and we work hard.

“That work ethic is massively important for me and the training facilities we will have next year are probably second to none in the Magners League."