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Ex-Scotland and Lions prop Tom Smith has died aged 50

06 Apr 2022

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions prop Tom Smith has died aged 50. Smith, who was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in November 2019, also played for Glasgow Warriors, Caledonia Reds and Northampton. Scottish Rugby tweeted: “Scotland and Lions prop Tom Smith sadly passed away earlier today [Wednesday] aged 50.

“A hugely respected player, Tom will be greatly missed by everyone associated with rugby in Scotland and throughout the game. All our thoughts are with Tom’s family and friends at this time.”

Smith made 61 appearances for Scotland and six for the Lions, who said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom Smith. Tom made an incredible impact for the Lions, touring in 1997 as well as 2001 and was one of the great props to play the game. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. RIP Tom.”

Lawrence Dallaglio Rewatches The 1997 British & Irish Lions Tour

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Lawrence Dallaglio Rewatches The 1997 British & Irish Lions Tour

Named in Ian McGeechan’s Lions squad to face South Africa in 1997, despite having played just three times for the Scots, he would go on to play in all three Tests as the tourists won a thrilling series 2-1. He retained his place four years later in Australia, again starting all three Test clashes in a series that ended 3-0 to the Wallabies.

Two years later he was celebrating again, as Jim Telfer’s Scotland side won the final edition of the Five Nations. The honour of captaining Scotland was first bestowed during the 2001 autumn Tests while the following year his talents were recognised as he was named among a World XV.

Life can be so fucking cruel.
RIP Tom Smith.
— Jim Hamilton (Vice Captain) (@jimhamilton4) April 6, 2022

Smith started his professional club career with Caledonian Reds in 1996 before racking up stints at Glasgow Caledonians and Brive. He brought the curtain down on his playing career in 2009 after an eight-year spell at Northampton, aged 37. Smith returned north of the border soon after as he moved into coaching with Edinburgh, then enjoying three years in France from 2012 as he was recruited to look after Lyon’s forwards.

A Northampton statement read: “Deeply sad news this evening as we hear that Tom Smith has passed away. The British and Irish Lion was one of the most gifted props ever to pull on the BG&G jersey, and an incredible character to boot. Our thoughts are with Tom’s loved ones at this time.”

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MichaelT4 58 minutes ago

Mick Cleary: 'England are back among the heavyweights.'

In fairness to Borthwick he has done a good job of blooding youngsters already himself in matches against the top tier teams. Fin Baxter starting against New Zealand last summer, Cunningham-South too. Fin Smith this year. The squad depth is impressive when you also consider Furbank, Underhill, IFW and George Martin can come back in.

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RedWarriors 1 hour ago

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MichaelT4 1 hour ago

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JB 1 hour ago

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Re England … “they stunned France …”

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fl 2 hours ago

Did innovative England emerge strongest from the Six Nations?

It will be interesting to see how developmental the summer squad is. Given how much consistency of selection there was throughout 2024 and the early part of 2025, I wonder if Borthwick’s suddenly erratic teamsheets were an attempt to build enough depth to play almost solely first team players against Argentina.

E.g. if Freeman and Furbank both go to Australia (which I think would be unlikely) England could still field a back three of Marcus Smith, Roebuck, and Feyi-Waboso, with Steward, Daly, Sleightholme, and Murley also in the squad. Similarly if both Curry brothers and Ben Earl all go (which I think would be similarly unlikely) England could still select Tom Willis, Underhill, and Cunningham-South in the back row. Hardly a developmental lineup! There would have to be newer and less experienced players brought in in the second row and at centre, but even here there could be starting partnerships of Martin & Coles and Dingwall & Daly.

I think there’s a good chance England’s progress will be built on directly in Argentina.

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JD Kiwi 2 hours ago

Did innovative England emerge strongest from the Six Nations?

The big concern for me is that our 13 forwards are at a big disadvantage against their 15.

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Otagoman II 2 hours ago

Did innovative England emerge strongest from the Six Nations?

They had an average game against a Hurricanes side that was marginally better. They were poor protecting their ball and blew many promising attacking raids. Tangitau did his best to win the game by himself with a 85 metre intercept try and a a quick tap kick ahead that resulted in another. Highlanders scored no phase play tries. Joseph said that their attack was basically too conservative playing one out and that the support should of been better. They will need to do better with their attack this saturday as the Reds have plenty of points in them with quick ball.

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fl 2 hours ago

Did innovative England emerge strongest from the Six Nations?