The 29-year-old, voted Scotland international of the year on Monday, joined the Zurich Premiership side last month after two years at the French club.

Smith said he was "disappointed" that his teammates did not show the correct discipline in training and that coming to England will be prove to be a step up in class.

"The French league is catching up slowly but, in terms of fitness, professionalism and discipline, England is the place to be and I would hope it will improve my standards a lot.

"If you are with a group of players who don't necessarily rely on club training and go out and do their own work - work together and work in groups - it creates an environment where doing the minimum required is not acceptable.

"In France, I have done a bit of extra work and, to be absolutely frank, I have been disappointed by the fact that not many other people do the same.

"So it will be nice to be part of a group that does."

Lions prop Smith finished ahead of Scott Murray, Budge Pountney, Gregor Townsend and John Leslie in the running for Scotland player of the year.

Previous winners of The Famous Grouse Player of the Season award include Glenn Metcalfe, Murray, Alan Tait and Doddie Weir.