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Tuesday, 27 February 2007, 17:06 GMT

Taylor switches to Stade Francais

Simon Taylor Scotland and British and Irish Lions backrow forward Simon Taylor will leave Edinburgh after signing for French championship leaders Stade Francais.

The 27-year-old Taylor, capped 51 times, has agreed a three-year contract with the side from Paris.

But Scotland coach Frank Hadden has warned players who leave Scotland that "the grass isn't always greener".

Taylor's time with Edinburgh has been disrupted by a series of long-term injury lay-offs.

The loss of Taylor, follows centre Rob Dewey's decsion to leave Edinburgh for Ulster.

And two of Edinburgh's most promising players, flanker Al Strokosch and prop Ally Dickinson, have agreed to join Guinness Premiership side Gloucester.

Hadden, still smarting from Scotland's humiliating Six Nations defeat by Italy, told BBC Scotland: "Without professional rugby in this country, we'd very quickly fall down the international rankings.

"At this juncture there are some who want to leave - I don't want that."

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Sports Weekly programme at the weekend, Edinburgh chairman Alec Carruthers had expressed his disappointment at the uncertainty surrounding Taylor.

"Obviously, having stood by Simon through a major rehab period, I think we've been very good to Simon," he said.

"If it's true then I think it's discourteous and a bit silly.

"We have sat down with Simon to discuss his future, he said he was very much focused on the short-term and planning for the World Cup.

"We've also sat down and spoken to his agent who said something similar."

Edinburgh said in a statement on their website: ""Players will come and go and, whilst we would have liked to retain the services of Rob Dewey, Alasdair Dickinson and Alasdair Strokosch, it is difficult to stand in the way of players who wish to pursue a career elsewhere.

"Edinburgh Rugby would like to assure supporters that the club is endeavouring to maintain a team based around a blend of established internationalists, emerging Scottish talent and experienced overseas players."




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