Ex-All Blacks Maitland signs for Glasgow

GLASGOW (AFP) –

Crusaders’ Sean Maitland (right) has been signed by Glasgow Warriors in a move that could also pay off for the Scotland national team.

Glasgow have signed former New Zealand Under-20 back Sean Maitland in a move that could also pay off for the Scotland national team.

The 24-year-old Crusaders player, who can play at full-back or on either wing, qualifies to play for Scotland through his paternal grandparents.

Head coach Gregor Townsend told www.glasgowwarriors.org: “We’re delighted to be welcoming a player of Sean Maitland’s calibre to Glasgow Warriors.

“The back three is an area of the team where we already have a number of excellent options, and Sean will provide a further layer of quality as we enter another busy phase of the season.

“His try-scoring record in Super Rugby speaks for itself, and he’s also a player who has a big appetite for self-improvement.

“He will be a fantastic addition to our squad and will, I’m sure, be very popular with our supporters.”

Maitland, who scored 24 tries in Super Rugby and crossed four times in a game against the Brumbies last year, will join Warriors in the coming weeks subject to a medical and visa, having signed a contract that ties him to Scotstoun until May 2015.

He won world titles with the All Blacks at under-19 and under-20 level and represented the New Zealand Maoris in 2010.