FORMER SCOTLAND captain Tom Smith has been appointed forwards coach at Edinburgh.

Smith, who will work under new head coach Rob Moffat, was capped 61 times for Scotland and played in six successive Lions Tests in 1997 and 2001

Moffat said: “People will be well aware of Tom’s pedigree as a world-class prop, who, at the age of 37, was still playing regularly last season in the top flight of English rugby.

“What they may be less familiar with is that Tom has been involved in a coaching capacity, both as a scrummaging specialist and a mentor for young players at Northampton Saints for the last three years, having embarked on formal coaching qualifications with a view to pursuing a career in coaching when he retired from playing.

“I believe it’s a real coup to have secured Tom’s services.

“He has performed at the very top level of the game for 12 years and the thirst for knowledge among the players in our squad will be well served by Tom’s rich experience.”

Smith said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Scotland and really looking forward to working with Rob Moffat.”