Edinburgh trio re-sign

The news comes as a boost for Edinburgh as they prepare for Sunday's final game of the scheduled Magners League season, away to Leinster in Dublin.

"There's no denying we've had a tough last few weeks," admitted Edinburgh's chief executive Nic Cartwright today, "but the loyalty of our sponsor who have renewed on improved terms and the commitment to the club shown by Ben, Geoff and John is immensely heartening.

"We know that we still have an opportunity to end the regular season on a high and that a bonus point win against Leinster on Sunday could see us in the Magners League play-offs and the news we're announcing today gives everyone an added incentive," he said.

Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat welcomed the re-signing of Cairns, Houston and Cross.

Moffat said: "We're talking here about three quality rugby players all of whom are ambitious, honest and looking to win trophies. Ben is only 24 and John and Geoff are both 27 and I firmly believe we have yet to see the best of all three of them.

"From the coaches' point of view the good thing about all three is they have a strong work ethic and a real desire to get better. Playing and winning for Edinburgh is more than just a job for them."

Cross, who made his debut for Edinburgh in 2006, is setting his sights on continuing to improve and has re-signed on a two-year contract. "Now that the Italian teams are coming into the Magners League from the start of next season and that we have a play-off structure in place, what I'd like to do is get into those play-offs and challenge for silverware. I'd also target qualifying from the pool stages of the Heineken Cup," he declared.

Houston, who only started playing professional rugby three years ago, has agreed a four-year deal, an indication of the esteem in which he is held by Moffat who worked with him in both Scotland age-grade and 7s squads and nurtured his talent.

Houston wants to use his new contract as a springboard for Edinburgh to win honours and for him to realise his "deep ambition" of playing for Scotland.

"I'm really enjoying my time at Edinburgh. I feel as if I have improved every season and I'm delighted to be staying. I love playing for Edinburgh. It's my goal to start every week and to win silverware for the club," he said.

Cairns, who has already won seven caps for Scotland and captained Edinburgh, has proved his versatility by lining-up at full-back as well as his customary centre berth.

On agreeing a new three-year deal he said: "Playing for Edinburgh is something I wanted to do from my days at Royal High School and to be able to do so professionally is not something I would ever under-estimate or take for granted.

"But I do feel we have to kick on and with the calibre of personnel we have here we've got to become more consistent."