New head coach Rob Moffat was quick to approach Smith, who played in six successive Test matches for the British and Irish Lions in 1997 and 2001.

As well as utilising the playing experience of a man who won 61 caps for Scotland, Moffat is keen to benefit from Smith's coaching knowledge.

Moffat said: “People will be well aware of Tom's pedigree as a world-class prop, who, at the age of 37, was still playing regularly last season in the top flight of English rugby.

“What they may be less familiar with is that Tom has been involved in a coaching capacity, both as a scrummaging specialist and a mentor for young players at Northampton Saints for the last three years, having embarked on formal coaching qualifications with a view to pursuing a career in coaching when he retired from playing.

“I believe it's a real coup to have secured Tom's services. He has performed at the very top level of the game for 12 years and the thirst for knowledge among the players in our squad will be well served by Tom's rich experience.”

Smith, who played his club rugby with Dundee HSFP and Watsonians, played professional rugby in Scotland and France before joining Northampton Saints in 2001.

He said: “I'm delighted to be returning to Scotland and really looking forward to working with Rob Moffat and the rest of the team at Edinburgh.

“The talent in the squad is obvious and my focus will be to assist the players as they strive to improve on last season's runners-up position in the Magners League and to qualify for the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup.”