The new Scottish Borders team have secured a major coup with the capture of three Scotland internationals.
Former Scotland captain Gary Armstrong, ex-British Lion Doddie Weir and Scotland international George Graham will all join the new Borders team from Newcastle Falcons on June 1.
"Between them these three highly-experienced rugby professionals boast 134 Scotland caps and all of them are returning to their homeland to make their mark from the start of an exciting new chapter in Scottish rugby," said Borders chief executive Alastair Cranston.
"Jim Telfer, Tony Gilbert and I are working hard on player recruitment and today's announcement will be the first of many we make in building a team."
Ex-Lion Armstrong has signed a three-year contract with the new team while Weir has a two-year deal and Graham a one-year deal.
Weir believes the move will prove to be a challenge for the three men.
"I'm looking forward to coming home," Weir told the Scottish Rugby Union website.
"There will be a challenge for me and all the players who come on board to try to raise Borders rugby to the pre-eminence it has held traditionally over many years."
Scotland international Graham jumped at the opportunity of continuing his playing career with the Borders.
"I'm really excited about the move," Graham told PA Sport.
"I have had a fantastic six years at Newcastle and they are obviously building for the future.
"I'm really looking forward to going to the Borders - mainly for the fact it gives me the chance to play at the highest level for another year and I can pass on a bit of experience.
"Coaching is a natural progression and I would love to go into that.
"Somebody offered me a job as director of rugby last night but, although I don't want to burn my bridges, I want to play for another season.
"I feel I would quite good at the job with my background teaching in the army and experience."
The 36-year-old is still a regular member of Ian McGeechan's squad and maintains retirement is still not an option for him.
"I have spoken to 'Geech' a few times and he is building for the future himself at the moment," said Graham.
"It is fantastic that he keeps picking me but he knows what he will get with me and I will give him everything I have got.
"I am never going to say I am going to retire from the international game because I am not.
"If he wants me, he knows where I am and that is the way I am approaching it."