Duncan Taylor determined to enjoy his rugby after lost years ‘tugged at his heartstrings’

If it wasn’t for bad luck Duncan Taylor would have no luck at all. At various points in the last three-and-a-bit years he has been sidelined by a torn hamstring, ankle surgery, concussion and shoulder injuries.

Duncan Taylor is determined to enjoy every aspect after a number of injury setbacks. Picture: Craig Williamson / SNS

On top of all that his club, Saracens, have been relegated from the Gallagher Premiership due to salary-cap breaches, and are waiting to discover when the Championship season – which has been on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic – can start.

Despite it all, he has kept the faith. And so too has Gregor Townsend. The Scotland coach is a big fan of the centre and drafted him into his autumn squad when Taylor was able to prove his fitness following the latest shoulder setback.

He was rewarded with a brief appearance off the bench against France and is in line to feature against Ireland on Saturday when Scotland contest the Autumn Nations Cup third-place play-off in Dublin.

Duncan Taylor played against France as a second-half substitute at BT Murrayfield. Picture: Craig Williamson / SNS

Now 31, Taylor’s 27 caps have been spread across seven-and-a-half years and the tally would have been a lot higher but for his ailments. He’s had quite a career nonetheless, with a resume that includes two European Cups, two Premiership titles and an appearance at last year’s World Cup.

The setbacks have given him pause for reflection and he admits they make him appreciate rugby all the more.

“I think as you get a bit older you start to embrace things a little bit more than you do when you’re younger,” he said. “You have more gratitude for the opportunities you get and the chances to be around your team-mates and to play for your club and country.

“I’ve really developed that love for the game over the last few years without playing as much as I would have liked. You realise how much you miss it when you are not involved. When you’re not playing it definitely pulls at your heartstrings and makes you realise how important this game is to you.

“I’m 31 years old now and time won’t last forever for me and my rugby career so I think so I’m just embracing every opportunity I get, whether it’s training or playing, and try and enjoy it as much as I can.”

Taylor appreciates Townsend’s support through the tough times and has nothing but good things to say about the Scotland boss.

“As a coach, he’s been great for my development,” said the centre. “You learn a lot when you come up here and he’s got a good relationship with a lot of the guys - with everyone probably. He’s managed people very well since he’s come in. He’s very good with man-management.”

Saturday’s opponents are under a little pressure after a couple of lukewarm performances which have seen them lose to England before labouring to victory over Georgia. Taylor was impressed with how the English got the better of Andy Farrell’s side at Twickenham.

“They were super-physical in their defence,” said Taylor. “Over the last few years we’ve struggled against Ireland but England seem to have come up trumps against them and I think that comes down to their physicality and their ability around the breakdown.

“And I think that’s going to play a huge part in our defensive display at the weekend, winning that gainline, winning that physical battle.”

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