Taylor may return earlier than expected

Scotland international Simon Taylor could return to action ahead of schedule, according to Edinburgh Rugby coach Frank Hadden.

The Lions number eight suffered knee ligament damage in the final RBS Six Nations game against Ireland in Dublin in March and was expected to return for next year’s tournament.

But, after being drawn alongside Perpignan, Newcastle Falcons and Newport Gwent Dragons in the Heineken Cup, Hadden is confident Taylor will be available for the final pool games.

He told the Edinburgh Evening News: “I’m reasonably optimistic Simon will take part in the tail end of the European Cup campaign.”