Smith holds an enviable record of starting every Lions Test across two series as he established himself as one of the world's leading props around the turn of the Millennium.

Smith also captained his country in the early years of this decade and was a stalwart of the team which got to two World Cup quarter-finals.

He won 61 Scotland caps and served Glasgow and Brive with distinction before playing for Northampton Saints for eight years.

But it is his front-row alliance with Keith Wood and Paul Wallace - an exceptionally small trio compared with their South African counterparts ­ as the Lions beat the Springboks in the 1997 series for which he will be best remembered.

"There have been plenty of highlights in my career and I've worked with some great coaches and players," said Smith, who made his Scotland debut in the Calcutta Cup match of 1997 against England.

"Highlights of my career are the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa and winning the 1999 Five Nations with Scotland.

"Being part of the 97 Lions was an incredible experience, especially working with Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer."