Taylor, 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.

"Simon is a dynamic, skilful player,” said Bath boss Steve Meehan. “Everyone knows him as a back row but he has already made it clear that he is not averse to playing lock, which is an extra bonus for the squad.”

Taylor was also selected for two Lions tours, to Australia in 2001 and four years later to New Zealand but on both occasions injury forced him home early.

The second-row, onced touted as one of the finest forwards Scotland had produced, has not started for his country since the 2009 RBS 6 Nations defeat to England.

"I am very excited to be heading to Bath. They have a fantastic squad with a great style of play," said Taylor, who made his debut for Scotland in 2000 and has gone on to win 68 caps.

"I think that they have real vision for the future and I want to be a part of that.”