23 Jan 2015

Sean Maitland changes clubs

2:32 pm on 23 January 2015

The former Crusaders rugby player Sean Maitland is changing British clubs.

The former Crusaders player Sean Maitland scores a try.

The former Crusaders player Sean Maitland scores a try. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Scotland international will join London Irish from Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old, who can play on the wing or at fullback, has agreed a long-term contract with the Exiles.

New Zealand-born Maitland has 15 caps for Scotland and also toured Australia with the British & Irish Lions in 2013.

He says the club was striving to get back to the top of the European game and he's looking forward to being involved in that process.

Earlier this week, London Irish announced New Zealand prop Ben Franks would also be joining the club in the summer.

Bob Casey, operations director at the Premiership club, says Maitland is the right age, a great character and wants to be a big part of their long-term plans.

Casey says he is another significant signing and further indication that the club wanted to compete with the best in the Premiership and Europe.

The former Highlanders and Blues first five Chris Noakes is also at London Irish.

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