Scotland back Meryl Smith said earning a place on the inaugural women’s British and Irish Lions tour would be a dream come true.
Earlier this year it was confirmed a women’s Lions team would be launched, with the first tour set for New Zealand in September 2027.
And barring injury, Smith should be among the Scots in contention for a place in the squad along with team-mates Evie Gallagher, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson and Rachel Malcolm.
Speaking exclusively to the Scotland Rugby News podcast, Smith said: "The Lions would be an amazing opportunity.
“Growing up and watching the men’s team, it is very cool watching the Scottish players represent us all.”
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But the 23-year-old Bristol Bears back knows there is plenty of rugby to be played between now and then.
She added: “I would love to go – it would be amazing, but you can’t do anything other than keep training and playing well and if you do well enough you will get picked.
“It’s a long time away – a lot can happen between now and then. Anything is possible but it would be a dream to go."
A packed rugby schedule begins for Smith and Scotland with two matches at Hive Stadium, with Wales and Fiji the visitors as Bryan Easson’s side continue their preparations for WXV in South Africa.
Scotland were crowned champions of WXV 2 last year and have a chance to defend their title, but Smith said this time around the goal is about building towards next year’s World Cup.
"We’re looking bigger picture at the moment,” she said, adding the World Cup in England is “the ultimate goal”.
Smith continued: "We had disappointing results at the last one in New Zealand and we want to amend some mistakes there.
“We’re building such a talented squad with real depth and we think we can really target the World Cup so the next few games and into WXV it’s a case of trying to gel as a squad.
“We’ve really improved from where we were a year ago and it’s just about building on that into WXV, the Six Nations and trying to hit the World Cup on a good roll of results.”
Smith deputised at fullback during the Six Nations, while she’s also been used at inside centre, but she revealed she has her sights set on another jersey long-term.
She added: “I only started playing 15 this season and it has given me an appreciation of the work our back three do.
“I think I’d given them a lot of stick before and not enough credit – it’s hard work out there.
“With the way we play, it’s quite nice that we have that flexibility that we can put people in different people in different positions depending on the opposition we’re playing.
“For me, ever since I was a little kid I wanted to be the Scotland 10 but I’m enjoying playing lots of different positions.”
Smith’s journey towards the World Cup – and her dream of representing the Lions – starts when Wales visit Hive Stadium on September 6.
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