BILL MEAKES and Dan Murphy have both signed extensions to their contracts to remain at Gloucester next season.

Seven members of the current squad have already agreed new terms while Tom Marshall and Jeremy Thrush will move from Super Rugby sides in New Zealand.

A year ago Meakes was a non-contracted player, training with the first team as several players were absent due to injury or international call-ups.

He made his debut as a replacement in the LV= Cup at home to Wasps before making his first Aviva Premiership appearance against the same opponents at Twickenham.

He did enough to earn an Academy contract for the current season and has been a regular in the first team squad, scoring his first senior try in the LV= Cup at Exeter in November.

Loose head prop Murphy is in his fourth season at Kingsholm having moved from London Irish in the summer of 2011.

The 28-year-old has also been a first team regular in his time at the club, making 78 competitive appearances to date.

After a great start to the season, he picked up a knee injury in late September which sidelined him until he appeared as a replacement in Monday evening's A League game at home to Sale Jets.

Dan has worked very hard to get back to fitness and will play a key role in the second half of Gloucester's season.

"It's very good news that Bill and Dan have both signed new contracts," said director of rugby David Humphreys.

"They're both well respected and hard working members of the squad who can always be relied upon to do a job when called upon.

"The depth of our squad will be all-important next season with players away on World Cup duty and then a very intensive domestic and European campaign following that."