British and Irish Lions

Gavin Hastings, arguably one half of the most famous set of brothers to pull on a Scotland rugby jersey, has expressed his delight at the decision to name Thom and Max Evans in Scotland's team to face France this weekend.

Hastings, who lined up for Scotland 57 times alongside his younger brother Scott, is excited by the two youngsters who will travel to Paris this weekend.

Speaking exclusively to lionsrugby.com, the HSBC Lions ambassador said, "I am so pleased that they are both getting this opportunity. It is a very special thing for brothers to represent their country together and they will both be extremely excited about the match."

The Evans brothers become the 20th set of brothers to represent Scotland and, in this Lions season, they may well have aspirations to follow the Hastings duo to the pinnacle of international rugby.

Gavin and Scott made history in 1989 by becoming the first brothers to represent the British & Irish Lions. Together they helped the Lions to a famous victory in the second test against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

Hastings has enjoyed watching the rise of the Evans brothers and said, "They are both extremely promising young players and have got youthful exuberance and pace in abundance. They are just what Scotland need."

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.