London Scottish has received a huge boost this week after talented fly-halves Lee Millar and Dan Newton penned new two-year deals.
Millar and Newton both signed for Scottish at the beginning of this season from Gala and the Scarlets respectively and have vied for selection in the most hotly contested position at the Club.
Scotsman Lee Millar has made 17 appearances so far this season with 24-year-old Welsh ace Newton having made 21 appearances.
Between them they have racked up nearly 200 points during the 2013/14 campaign.
Head Coach James Buckland said: “I’m thrilled that Dan and Lee have agreed to stay at London Scottish and it is a real coup for the Club that they have signed two-year contracts.
“They have both done really well for us this year and it’s a great rivalry for the number 10 shirt.
“Their rugby skills are top drawer but communication and game management is what they need to work on and giving them both two-year deals will allow them to relax and grow into their roles.”
Millar kicked over 300 points for Gala in the RBS Premier during the 2012/13 season and was widely regarded as one of the most talented players in Scottish club rugby before his move south.
He starred for Gala during a 27-23 victory over London Scottish in the British and Irish Cup in October 2012 and this accelerated his move to the Athletic Ground.
The 22-year-old said: “It has been a great thing for me joining London Scottish.
“I have got my strength and conditioning up to scratch and got my body used to playing week in week out in a professional environment.
“It has been a real eye-opener and I’m delighted to be staying for another two seasons.
“Dan and I push each other in training and we have a good relationship off the park as well.
“It was an easy decision to stay.
“I’m settled down in London and I am really happy to have signed.”
Newton joined London Scottish last summer to experience a ‘new challenge’ he says, after turning down a two-year deal to remain at the Scarlets.
During his spell at the Welsh region he played in both the RaboDirect PRO12 and the Heineken Cup but having left his ‘comfort zone’ in Wales, Newton believes he has improved as a player.
The Carmarthen-born stand-off said: “There is healthy competition at 10 between Lee and myself which I really enjoy and living in London is great.
“The Club has got real ambitions over the next couple of years and we have set a good platform this season to move forward.
“The Greene King IPA Championship is very different to the RaboDirect PRO12 and my body has been feeling it a bit in terms of the physicality but it has been a good challenge.
“The boys are great here and living the London life, you are able to switch off very quickly which is important as a professional rugby player.”
London Scottish chairman, Sir David Reid, said: “This season Dan and Lee have played a key role in allowing our back division to flourish and produce a brand of attacking rugby which has thrilled supporters.
“Watching two young talents battle it out for the number 10 jersey has been a real highlight and I look forward to seeing their progress over the next two seasons.”
