Winger Patrick Osborne and lock Joe Wheeler have committed to the Highlanders for next year.
Wheeler and Osborne (both 27) have signed deals through to the end of next season in a boost to the franchise which is shaping up as having most key players returning next year.
Halfback Aaron Smith has signed with the franchise for next season while fullback Ben Smith and centre Malakai Fekitoa have signed on until 2017.
Osborne, who plays for Canterbury in the ITM Cup, was weighing up whether to stay with the Highlanders or head overseas and has decided to stay in the South.
''In the end, the lifestyle my family has down here and the rugby I have been playing pretty much made up my mind that the Highlanders was the best option for me. We are a pretty close group down here and we enjoy each other's company and the style that we play is good for a winger, I think. Playing under a roof helps,'' he said.
Osborne trained with the All Blacks when they were in Dunedin last year and was in the All Black picture, although it is a crowded field for All Black selection on the wing.
Wheeler started his Super rugby career with the Crusaders but shifted south in 2013.
After initially starting out as a loose forward he switched to lock last year and has played well since.
He is a consistent lineout forward and has got around the field.
Wheeler said he came south to reignite his career and he had enjoyed his time in the South.
''Since day one I have felt at home here. The environment and style of game we play all suits me perfectly. It's the main reason why I think I have been able to be consistent in my form. There are always opportunities offshore but I am quite happy here so I was comfortable committing to the Highlanders,'' he said.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said Osborne was a genuine finisher and could also create something from nothing.
Wheeler was a reliable source of lineout ball, and a valuable member of the Highlanders pack, Joseph said.
The Highlanders will not have to face James Broadhurst this Friday after the Hurricanes lock was issued a one-week ban yesterday.
Broadhurst was given the ban for kneeing Blues flanker Luke Braid in the head in the match between the Hurricanes and Blues in Palmerston North last Friday night.