James Russell Taylor made his Scotland under-20 debut as a replacement in the Chalon-sur-Saone match against France in February 2009. He also played as a replacement in the win against Ireland a month later at McDiarmid Park, Perth and in the Worcester match against England.

The Merchiston Castle School former pupil had previously played under-18 rugby for both Edinburgh and Scotland. He is studying management with geography at Loughborough University.