MASSIMO CUTTITTA, the former Italy captain, has been appointed as Edinburgh's new scrummaging coach. The loosehead prop played for Lynn Howells, the Edinburgh head coach, during their time together at Leonessa.

"I am happy to be here working with Lynn again and having the opportunity to work with talented players in a professional environment, " said Cuttitta.

"Getting the scrum right is not a quick fix, but I hope I can play my part in solving any problems and forming a solid scrum."

Howells admitted he was delighted to be reunited with Cuttitta and said : "Massimo brings a fresh new approach and ideas to scrummaging which are not the same as most coaches. We hope, over time, that the scrum will give us the platform we require to play an expansive game."

England's Lawrence Dallaglio and Phil Vickery could make their first appearances of the season this weekend.

The Wasps forwards are lined up to feature against EDF Energy Cup opponents London Irish at Adams Park on Sunday.

The news will encourage England head coach Andy Robinson after seeing initial preparations for the opening autumn Test appointment with New Zealand on November 5 severely affected by injuries to several elite squad members.