Sean Maitland

Scotland international Sean Maitland will join London Irish next season.

Maitland, who signed for the Warriors in October 2012, has made 38 appearances for the club and has scored 11 tries during his spell in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old winger has 15 caps and 2 tries for Scotland.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “Sean has played a big role at the club over the last 3 years and we wish him all the best when he leaves at the end of the season.

“There is still a lot of rugby to be played between now and then and I’m sure he’ll want to leave the club on a high in the summer.”

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Sean Maitland added: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Glasgow and it’s been great being part of the club over the last 3 years. Since moving to Glasgow I’ve been selected to play for Scotland and the British and Irish Lions, so I’m grateful to Scottish Rugby for the opportunity to come over here.”

“I’m looking forward to my new challenge in London next season, but all my focus will be on the Warriors until then, starting with a massive game against Bath this weekend.”

The London Irish Announcement

London Irish today (22 January) announced the signing of Scotland International and British and Irish Lion, Sean Maitland from Glasgow Warriors on a long term contract.

The 26-year-old fullback first came to prominence in 2007 when he played an integral role in the New Zealand Under 19’s and their World Cup success. He was also a part of the Baby Blacks side which lifted the inaugural IRB Junior World Championship the following year.

Sean signed for the Crusaders and featured in every game as they powered their way to the Super 12 title in 2008. He followed Super Rugby success with domestic silverware as he helped Canterbury claim the Air New Zealand Cup in 2009.

Maitland continued to excel and he enjoyed his most impressive season with the Crusaders in 2011, turning in a string of scintillating performances as the Crusaders progressed to another Super Rugby final, with the highlight of his season a record-equalling 4-try haul against the Brumbies.

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Sean was one of the most exciting young backs in Super Rugby but gave up on his All Blacks ambitions when he declared for Scotland and switched to the Glasgow Warriors during the 2012 / 2013 season.

Instead of pulling on the black of New Zealand, he wore the blue of Scotland, qualifying through his Celtic grandparents, after being named in the XV for their Six Nations match with England. A strong tournament, which included a try on debut against England, raised the possibility of him returning to the southern hemisphere as a Lion. And the call came from Warren Gatland as he was named as one of 4 wingers in the squad to travel to Australia.

Maitland, who stands at 6ft 2ins and weighs 100kgs, has 15 Scotland caps to his name and 2 tries, said: “I’m excited to be joining London Irish at the end of the season. Having spoken to Bob Casey and Glenn Delaney and knowing how Tom Coventry operates as a coach, helped with my decision making. The structure off the field is exceptional and with the appointments that have been made, the Club is clearly striving to get back to the top of the European game and I’m looking forward to being involved in that process.”

Operations Director, Bob Casey said: “Sean is a British and Irish Lion back three player and proven on the International stage. He is the right age, a great character and wants to be a big part of our long term plan. He is another significant signing and further indication that we want to compete with the best in the Aviva Premiership and Europe.”