SARACENS moved to ease their back-row crisis this week by landing Simon Taylor, the Scotland and British Lions loose-forward, on a week's loan.

The 25-year-old Edinburgh Rugby star flew into London on Wednesday, February 2 and is expected to make an appearance from the bench in tomorrow's (Saturday, February 5) Zurich Premiership clash with Northampton Saints.

Taylor is likely to start the friendly with Super 12 outfit the Cats at Vicarage Road on Wednesday night and play a part in the league game with London Irish next week as he makes his way back from a knee injury that has kept out of the game for almost a year.

"We are delighted to be able to offer Simon his introduction back to top-class rugby after his unfortunate injury," said head coach Steve Diamond. "We were aware that Simon is coming back to full fitness and he had nowhere to play.

"He is world class, one of the top ten players in the world and he will add more quality to what is already a very good pack."

For all the news from the Saracens camp, don't miss this week's issue of the Watford Observer, on sale now.