Smith exits Scottish stage

SCOTLAND: Scotland and Lions prop Tom Smith has announced his retirement from international rugby.

The 33-year-old Northampton Saints player gained 61 caps over his eight-year international career, with his final cap coming against England in this year's Six Nations.

Smith said: "It was a hard decision to make but one that I know is right for me and my family and it's definitely the right time to retire."

The veteran loosehead told his international team-mates in the aftermath of the Calcutta Cup defeat that he was quitting Test rugby no matter what happened.

But despite the departure of coach Matt Williams and the move to bring in Frank Hadden as interim head coach, he has quit to spend more time with his family and club.

Smith added: "I'm pleased with the changes which have been made recently but it's now time for me to focus on club rugby.

"I wish the new management and all the players every success in the future."

He was the only Scot to start every Test of the last two Lions tours - to South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001.

He also captained Scotland throughout the 2001 Autumn Tests series.

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP:

Harlequins will next week reveal which players they are releasing following their relegation but already their players have been linking to other clubs. Bath are reportedly interested in wingers Ugo Monye and George Harder, having already signed the club's reserve outhalf Andy Dunne.

The club's annual turnover is set to drop from £7 million to little more than £4 million and the next couple of days will determine where the axe will fall.

Gloucester have re-signed the outside-half Ludovic Mercier from Pau.

Meanwhile, Martin Johnson will end his playing career in a testimonial match against a Jonah Lomu XV at Twickenham on June 4th. Six internationals have so far agreed to play in Johnson's team.