Gregor Townsend believes the prospect of being included in the British & Irish Lions squad next year is driving his Scotland players on to maintaining higher standards. 

The 51-year-old has been climbing four of the Japanese Alps within as many days to raise money for a colon cancer charity following the passing of good friend and former teammate Tom Smith two years ago. 

He's now back on home-soil, with November's Autumn internationals against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal, and Australia high on the agenda. 

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Scotland head coach said: "Preparations are going to ramp up over the next couple of weeks. Getting everyone aligned and the squad selected then we will come back into camp in a couple of weeks time. We can't wait for it. It's four big test matches.

"I suppose at this time as a coach you are just crossing your fingers that everybody stays fit over the next two or three [club] games, so we can pick from a full squad."

The British & Irish Lions get together for a tour in Australia, beginning June 2025 once the domestic season reaches a conclusion. 

Townsend has got all his big star's currently available - and he's challenged them to keep performing in order to gain the ultimate honour of being on that plane across the world and competing with rugby's very best.

"I think everyone is going to be motivated to play for their countries and win for their countries," he continued.

"Players realise that this year that there's going to be lots of articles about who's going on tour. People in form will have more chance of being selected so it does add intrigue."

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Discussing his recent fundraising expedition, Townsend commented: "I think when you're in a group, you encourage each other to go that extra step. Climbing, while it was tough physically, it was worth it for the views and the camaraderie that we had in the group. 

"We got lucky with the weather. The weather was amazing. And then just camping together, using the outside toilets, that was a challenge.

(Image: Sky Sports) “Also going back down the mountain on the knees, that was more difficult than going up. But it was definitely worth it, it was an amazing experience."

Smith's widowed wife joined the Scotland gaffer in Japan and Townsend revealed her presence just emphasised why they were taking on such challenge. 

"It brought home to everyone why we were doing this trek," he explained. "It was for Tom, and also the experiences that Zoe had, Tom's wife, to be in our company and do something special in Tom's memory. 

"She brought a lot of energy. She was the one that was driving a lot of people and keeping everybody in good spirits. 

"The money we are raising is for the Tom Smith screening fund to make sure that more people under the age of 50 do get screened, so we can stop unnecessary deaths that happen from colon cancer."