Laidlaw will add to the passion of the Lions in New Zealand - Matt Scott

Matt Scott lavished praise on his Scotland and Gloucester team-mate Greig Laidlaw, who was called up to the British and Irish Lions squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand as a replacement for England international Ben Youngs.

Youngs pulled out of the tour due to family illness and Lions head coach Warren Gatland opted to pick Laidlaw as the third Scotland player in the 41-man squad after Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour.

Having worked with Laidlaw at close quarters in Scotland and Gloucester, Scott believes the 31-year-old has all the right attributes to come out successful in what will be his first tour with the Lions.

"Obviously, it is not in the best circumstances," Gloucester centre Scott said. "Everyone is devastated for the Youngs family.

"I have known Greig since he was at Edinburgh. I've seen him get capped for Scotland, and now become one of the best nines in the world.

"He is one of the most passionate guys I have met around rugby.

"It doesn't matter if it is a club game where nothing is on the line, or Scotland versus England at Murrayfield, he is the same.

"He hates losing, and he brings that passion to every training session. He is a fantastic leader, who has been a great captain for Scotland and Gloucester."

Gloucester will head to Murrayfield Stadium on 12th May to take on Stade Francais in the final of the European Challenge Cup and a win will keep their hopes of European Champions Cup qualification for the next season alive.

"There is no extra motivation required for a cup final - everybody knows how important this game is for the club," said Gloucester rugby director David Humphreys.

"We have to win on Friday, and we still have an opportunity to get Gloucester into next season's Champions Cup. That has been the motivation since the start of the year.

"Every time we've found ourselves needing to lift our performances in this competition, we've responded well in the face of injuries or defeat.

"This week will be no different. Players throughout their careers don't get many opportunities to win a cup final, and when it comes along you have to make sure you're in the best place you can be to win."

Bristol full-back Jason Woodward will make a switch from Ashton Gate outfit to Gloucester next season.