Former Scotland captain and Lion Smith dies aged 50

Former Scotland captain and British and Irish Lion Tom Smith has died at the age of 50.

Smith was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer in 2019 and sadly passed away on Wednesday.

Capped 61 times by his country, the inspirational ex-prop was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last year.

Smith played a big part in the 1997 Lions series win in South Africa and toured Australia four years later, becoming the only Scottish player to have played in six consecutive Lions Tests.

Ian McGeechan, who coached Smith along with Jim Telfer in the Lions win over the Springboks, described him as "the greatest Scotland player of the professional era."

Scotland & @lionsofficial prop Tom Smith sadly passed away earlier today aged 50.

A hugely respected player, Tom will be greatly missed by everyone associated with rugby in Scotland and throughout the game.

All our thoughts are with Tom's family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/nBLlDq7dH1

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) April 6, 2022

Smith played his club rugby for Glasgow Caledonia – now Glasgow Warriors – and Brive before joining Northampton Saints in 2001.