Bath net Stade Francais & Scotland forward Simon Taylor

Taylor has 68 Scotland caps and two Lions tours to his name

Bath have signed Scotland's British & Irish Lions forward Simon Taylor on a three-year-deal from Stade Francais.

The 30-year-old, who can play in the second row and back row, will arrive at the Rec in the summer having spent three seasons at the Paris-based club.

"I am very excited to be heading to Bath. They have a fantastic squad with a great style of play," said Taylor.

"I think that they have real vision for the future and I want to be a part of that," the former Edinburgh man added.

He continued: "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."

Simon is a dynamic, skilful player. 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

Steve Meehan

Taylor made his debut for Scotland in 2000 and has gone on to win 68 caps.

Although his international career appears to be in the balance having passed up on the opportunity to be part of Andy Robinson's squad for last year's autumn internationals.

Taylor was also selected for two Lions tours, to Australia in 2001 and four years later to New Zealand.

On both occasions, however, injury forced him home early.

Bath head coach Steve Meehan said: "Simon is a dynamic, skilful player. Everyone knows him as a back row 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."

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