‘Inspirational’ Tom Smith hailed as one of Scotland’s best after death aged 50

Gregor Townsend hailed Tom Smith as one of Scotland’s best ever players following the former prop’s death at the age of 50.

Smith, who was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer in November 2019, made 61 appearances for Scotland and helped them win the Five Nations in 1999.

He also played six times for the British and Irish Lions and was part of the team that triumphed in South Africa in 1997.

Scotland head coach Townsend said: “Tom was one of the toughest and most skilful players I had the pleasure to call a team-mate.

“He succeeded in the most challenging of environments and kept up a high level of play well into his thirties.

“Tom also did a tremendous amount for charitable causes and was a great family man. I am convinced that he will be regarded as one of our best ever players and his loss will be felt by all those who played with him or watched him for club and country over the years.”

Chris Paterson, who also played alongside Smith for Scotland, said: “Tom was simply inspirational. He was someone who had an aura that I didn’t experience with any other player and commanded instant respect.

I am convinced that he will be regarded as one of our best ever players and his loss will be felt by all those who played with him or watched him for club and country over the years.- Gregor Townsend on Tom Smith

“As well as being a wonderful rugby player, he was a lovely, warm generous person and made you feel 10 feet tall when he spoke to you.”

Scottish Rugby chairman John Jeffrey added: “Today, Scottish Rugby has lost not only one of its greatest players but more importantly one of its greatest people. Tom embodied everything we like to espouse about our great game.

“Pound for pound, he probably was Scotland’s greatest