Scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw has replaced Ben Youngs in the British & Irish Lions squad for their tour of New Zealand.

Youngs withdrew from the squad for family reasons and coach Warren Gatland called up Laidlaw as the replacement, bringing the total of Scotland players in the touring party to three.

Laidlaw, who joined the squad for their first official gathering in London on Monday, says his call-up evoked mixed emotions.

'Listen, first and foremost I think everyone's thoughts are with Ben, Tom and the whole of the Youngs family,' said Laidlaw.

'I am delighted to be here from a Scottish perspective. I just spoke to Stuart Hogg on the phone over the weekend and on Monday I caught up with Hoggy and Tommy [Seymour]. I think they were pretty happy to see me there.'

Photo: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images