Former Leicester and Gloucester prop Young, 24, believes Smith’s experience as prop will help both him and his team-mates provide plenty of competition for Scotland places.

"Tom has proved himself to be a winner which is key because winning is a culture,” the Scotland A international said.

"When we had a training camp at Dundee last week Tom showed himself to be an articulate guy with so much knowledge to pass on.

“Certainly I'm hopeful that Scotland has reached the stage where scrummaging is now an asset through having the likes of Euan Murray as number one.

“It hasn't always been the case that such strength in depth exists but I aim to play my part while recognising competition at club level from the likes of Geoff Cross and Ryan Grant."