Scotland must capitalise on the feelgood factor around the national team, according to captain Greig Laidlaw.

The scrum half has admitted to his pride at seeing the side completing three Six Nations wins for the first time in more than a decade, after he was sidelined with an ankle injury on the second weekend of the championship.

And Laidlaw believes Scotland have now "re-connected" with the fanbase in a way that can push Scottish rugby to further heights.

Glasgow Warriors boss Gregor Townsend replaces Vern Cotter as the head coach of the national team this summer, and Laidlaw said they must all play their part to ensure the momentum built up in the three years under the New Zealander is not lost.

The Gloucester number nine said: "The feeling is magnificent to be a part of, and now we need to capitalise on that.

"Vern has done a great job and the team is in a great position.

"We need to keep that going as players, and I know Gregor will come in and look to build on that."

Scotland tour Australia and Fiji this summer but they could be under-strength with players selected to tour New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions.

That would be a great scenario to show the renewed strength of the Scots, according to their captain.

Laidlaw said: "Scotland played some great rugby throughout the whole championships. We have dangerous players with attacking mindsets.

"Barring that England game we were very strong in defence too.

"Scottish players are in with a great chance of going on tour but there's a lot of great players right throughout the British Isles and Ireland.

"We will need a strong squad because it is a hotbed of rugby, a very proud country."

Laidlaw had been tipped in some quarters to make the Lions touring party himself, before his injury setback in Paris.

Asked if he still thought a call-up from Warren Gatland was possible, the 31-year-old said: "Yes, of course I do.

"The coaches probably know what I can do. I felt I was in good form and sadly injury cut that short.

"But such is life - you get on with it and move on."