The 37-year-old has moved into coaching as part of new Edinburgh boss Rob Moffat’s backroom staff.

Smith, who has spent the last eight years with Northampton, said: “It’s nice to come back, albeit in a different capacity. But it’s nice to be home.

“It’s a challenge and obviously a new beginning for me but I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Moffat will appoint one more coach to his team, which will be under pressure to repeat the second-placed finish in the Magners League achieved last season under new Scotland boss Andy Robinson.

Smith said: “Pressure’s a good thing, I think. Good players thrive under pressure and the same can be said for coaches.

“I’ve known Rob for a long time and it’ll be good to get down to work, get into the games.”

Smith revealed his coaching style will be based on getting the players to take on as much responsibility for their own performance as possible.

“You want the players to set their own examples,” he said. “I think commitment’s a basic requirement for a successful rugby team.”