Guinness Premiership

Bath have the signed Scottish International and British Irish Lion Simon Taylor on a three-year deal from Stade Francais, further bolstering their loose forward options after the recent signing of English flank Lewis Moody.

A versatile back-row forward, the 30-year-old will join the team from Stade Francais for the start of the 2010-11 season.

Taylor made his first appearance for Scotland in the November 2000 Autumn Test against the USA and in summer of 2001 he made a try-scoring debut for the British and Irish Lions in their 116-10 victory over Western Australia.

Since then, he continued to make a strong impression, notching up a total of 68 international caps so far and gaining The Famous Grouse Scotland Player of the season for 2002-03 for his heroic defensive contribution. Simon crosses the pond to join Bath from the Parisien team where he has played since 2007.

"I am very excited to be heading to Bath Rugby," admitted Simon. "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."

At 1.94m tall, Taylor is known as an athletic forward with great agility in attack and his versatility should provide some good options for the Recreation Ground outfit.

"Simon is a dynamic, skilful player," said head coach Steve Meehan, "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's around him before acting. We think he will fit in well here at Bath, as his vision and ethos clearly matches our own and I am sure he will make a great addition to the squad."