Scotland's most-capped hooker in history, Bulloch is a world-class performer who will relish the opportunity to play alongside the best forwards Britain and Ireland has to offer.

The 30-year-old comes from proven stock in the rugby world - with father Jim and brother Alan both well-known figures in the game north of the border - but Scotland's troubles seem to have weighed heavily on him of late and his form has suffered.

Gordon, the senior of the siblings by two years, has been a part of the international set-up since making his debut in 1997 – picking up 75 caps along the way and even forcing his way into a World XV of 1999 after playing a crucial role in Scotland's Five Nations success that year.

He had long been touted as a future international captain before taking the role in 2004 and will be embarking on his second Lions tour after being called up for the Australian tour of 2001 following the withdrawal of England's Phil Greening.

A hard-nosed hooker from the old school, Bulloch relishes the nitty gritty of forward play and combines powerful scrummaging with good mobility. He has all the attributes to be a world-class No 2.