The 61-time Scotland international, who also featured in the Heineken Cup during an eight-season stint with Saints, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019.

Smith was a regular in Northampton’s triumphant 2009 campaign, coming off the bench in their 15-3 victory over Bourgoin in the final at Twickenham Stoop.

Prior to his move to the English club in 2001, he played for what was then Glasgow in the Heineken Cup and Brive in the Challenge Cup. He totalled 62 career appearances in European competitions, scoring six tries.

EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said: “The rugby world has lost a giant of the game in Tom. He was a hugely skilful player and achieved accolade after accolade in a long and celebrated career, which included a Challenge Cup title with Northampton Saints in 2009 and European appearances with Brive and Glasgow.

“Not only was he an inspirational player, he was an inspirational person: generous, humble and determined, who lent his time and energies to a number of charitable causes after his playing career. Our thoughts are with his wife and children and his many teammates who will feel his loss immensely.”

Former British &amp; Irish Lions prop Tom Smith, who lifted the Challenge Cup in his final season with Northampton Saints in 2009, has died aged 50.

Former British & Irish Lions prop Tom Smith, who lifted the Challenge Cup in his final season with Northampton Saints in 2009, has died aged 50.