Cardiff Blues have confirmed that hooker Matthew Rees and lock James Down have re-signed for the region.
Front row Rees, who has won 60 caps for Wales and featured for the British & Irish Lions in 2009, will once again add his experience to the forward ranks at Cardiff Blues.
The 34-year-old previously played 34 games for the region, after initially joining from Scarlets in 2013.
Second row Down made a total of 63 appearances for Cardiff Blues between 2007 and 2014.
The 27-year-old – who stands 6ft 7in and weighs 125kg –featured on 19 occasions for London Welsh last season during the club’s spell in the English top-flight.
Head Coach Danny Wilson said: “I’m delighted that Matthew and James have re-signed for Cardiff Blues; both are very important and positive additions to our region as we prepare for the new season.
“I obviously know Matthew really well from our time together at Scarlets and we have a strong working relationship so I’m really pleased to have signed him.
“Matthew brings real leadership and vast experience to our squad. He will also be working closely with our young hookers to bring them on and develop them as players.
“James had a fantastic personal season at London Welsh and his stats in the Aviva Premiership were outstanding.
“He is a strong lineout forward and there is no doubt he returns to Cardiff Blues a better player.
“There was a lot of interest in James from clubs in both the Aviva Premiership and Top 14 in France. However, he is a local boy and passionate about playing his rugby for our region so we are delighted he is coming back home.”