Simon Taylor signs three-year deal for Bath

Taylor, 30, will move to the Recreation Ground from Heineken Cup quarter-finalists Stade Francais. He will arrive at the Rec in the summer having spent three seasons at the Paris-based club.

The former Heriot's and Edinburgh back-rower has won 68 caps for his country since making his Test debut against the USA in 2000 but is currently taking a break from international rugby. Taylor also toured with the 2001 and 2005 British and Irish Lions to Australia and New Zealand. He informed new Scotland coach Andy Robinson last August that he did not wish to be considered for selection in "the near future" but insisted he had not retired from the Test arena. There will be speculation that a return to the UK may prompt Taylor to once again make himself available for the national side.

The former Morrison's Academy pupil helped Heriot's to the Scottish Division 1 title and earned his first Scotland cap against the USA and selection for the 2001 Lions during his first pro season with Edinburgh.

He scored in his first Lions match, against Western Australia, but also seriously injured a knee in the game and swiftly returned to the UK. His career suffered another serious blow in 2004 when his studs caught in the turf at Lansdowne Road and he ruptured the cruciate ligament in a knee.

That ruled him out of action for most of 2004-05, and though he came back bigger and stronger, at over 17 stones, he struggled to regain the dynamism that had marked his early career. He was one of only three Scots initially selected by Clive Woodward for the 2005 Lions, but, cruelly, again returned home early, this time without seeing any action, after suffering a hamstring injury.

Taylor joined Stade Francais three years ago, but he now moves to the English wets country hot on the heels of them recruiting England flanker Lewis Moody from Leicester for next season.

"I am very excited to be heading to Bath," said Taylor. "Bath has a fantastic squad with a great style of play. I think that they have real vision for the future, and I want to be a part of that.

"It will also be the first time that I have played in the Guinness Premiership, which is something I am looking forward to. Having played in the Magners League and Top 14, the new challenge that another competition brings will be great."

Bath head coach Steve Meehan added: "Simon is a dynamic, skilful player.

"Everyone knows him as a back-row forward, but he has already made it clear that he is not adverse to playing lock, which is an extra bonus for the squad.

"After having a number of conversations with him, he really struck me as a very thoughtful player.

"He listens, takes things on board and surveys what is around him before acting.

"We think he will fit in well at Bath, as his vision and ethos clearly matches our own."

Taylor is Bath's fourth new signing for next season, joining Moody, Newcastle winger Tom Biggs and Glasgow scrum-half Mark McMillan.