Smith won 61 caps for Scotland

Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions loose-head prop Tom Smith will retire at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old, who won six Lions Test caps and played for Scotland 61 times, will call time on an eight-year career at Northampton Saints.

"There have been plenty of highlights in my career and I've worked with some great coaches and players," Smith said.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Northampton, it has been a good home for the past eight years."

Smith arrived at Franklin's Gardens in the summer of 2001 following a tour with the Lions, where he been the only Scot to play in the six successive Tests against the Wallabies and Springboks, who he faced in 1997.

It was on that tour to South Africa that Smith made his name, helping the Lions claim a 2-1 series victory.

Smith had made his Scotland debut earlier that year in the Calcutta Cup match against England and was a first-choice for his country for eight years, winning the Five Nations in 1999 and leading them throughout the 2001 Autumn Internationals.

His international career, which ended in 2005, included two World Cups.

After spells at Glasgow Caledonians, Watsonians and Brive, Smith made his Northampton debut on 1 September 2001.

"Tom has been one of the best players in the world in his position and it has been a pleasure to work with him Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder

In eight seasons with Saints, Smith has played in two Powergen Cup finals, a Heineken Cup semi-final and three Heineken Cup quarter finals.

Smith added: "Highlights of my career are the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa and winning the 1999 Five Nations with Scotland.

"Being part of the 97 Lions was an incredible experience, especially working with Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer. Working with Wayne Smith at the Saints was also very enjoyable.

"And I will never forget the Heineken Cup quarter-final win in San Sebastian and other big European matches at Franklin's Gardens.

"I have been fortunate enough to have played at such a special club and have made many close friends along the way. I would like to wish the Saints every success in the future."

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: "Tom has been one of the best players in the world in his position and it has been a pleasure to work with him over the past two years.

"What he has achieved during his career is something young players should aspire to. He has played at the highest level, won a Test series with the Lions and experienced all the highs and lows that come with professional sport.

"I, like everyone here at the Saints, would like to wish Tom all the best for the future."

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