British and Irish Lions

It was Taylor's first game for Edinburgh in almost a year, after he suffered a serious knee injury against Ireland in last year's Six Nations tournament.

Taylor could now find himself thrust straight back into Six Nations action in next week's wooden spoon clash with Italy.

The news of Taylor's return will not only please his national coach Matt Williams, but also Lions boss Sir Clive Woodward, who is known to rate Taylor highly.

Taylor was the youngest member of the 2001 Lions tour party to Australia but had to return home after just one game because of a separate knee injury.

Michael Hooper believes the British & Irish Lions' defeat to the Brumbies has given the Qantas Wallabies a boost ahead of Saturday's first Test in Brisbane.

Less than 24 hours after losing their unbeaten record in Canberra, the British & Irish Lions were given a huge boost on arrival in Brisbane when Wales wing George North was declared fit to play in the first Test on Saturday.

Qantas Wallaby wonder scrum half Will Genia is ready to torment the British & Irish Lions and end any hopes of a first Test series win in 16 years this month.