Duncan Taylor’s refusal to admit injury defeat will inspire Saracens’ Champions Cup quest against Ospreys on Sunday.
The Scotland centre has finally found fitness after a string of niggling problems derailed yet another campaign.
Taylor has suffered two torn hamstrings, undergone two bouts of ankle surgery, one knee operation and a shoulder reconstruction, to add to a concussion complaint and back and Achilles issues – all in the last seven years.
The 33-year-old will feature in this weekend’s last-16 clash at StoneX Stadium in a boost to Saracens, amid high praise from rugby director Mark McCall.
Asked to appraise Taylor’s impact in his 11 years at Sarries, McCall replied: “Have you got about an hour and a half?
“For me to answer that question in a couple of sentences would never do justice to what Duncan has done, has been at this club for the long time he’s been here.
“On the field, especially in the big games, Duncan’s always been one of the first people picked, over some great players down the years.
“He’s hugely respected by his team-mates. Off the field he’s had to deal with so much, he’s had to deal with so many setbacks, so many injuries.
“And he just keeps coming back for more. He’s great to have around the place, he’s incredibly helpful to our less experienced players.
“And he’s back, he’s fit and he’ll be involved in the game this weekend and we’re delighted to have him back.”
