Free-scoring winger Sean Maitland has touched down in Glasgow and is ready to help the Scottish side win a major European club competition.
Maitland built a reputation as a lethal finisher for the Crusaders since his Super Rugby debut in 2008, scoring 24 tries, including four in a game.
He has joined the Glasgow on a deal which will see him stay with the club until at least May 2015.
"I really want to hit the ground running with the Warriors but I know that I've got a lot of work to do to get into this team," he told the club website.
"There is a really strong side being put together here at Scotstoun and the competition for places is immense. It's a sign of the ambition and I want to play my part in that."
The 24-year-old, who won world titles with New Zealand U19 and U20, had been courted by other Super Rugby sides before committing to the country of his grandparents, both of whom were born in Glasgow.
"I have a lot of strong family connections with Scotland so the chance to live and play in Glasgow is a very exciting opportunity," Maitland continued.
"I'm aware that people have already talked about representing national teams but my focus is on performing well for the Warriors and if that leads to other opportunities, that will be a bonus.
Glasgow Warriors head coach, Gregor Townsend, said: "It's great to welcome Sean to Scotstoun and have him on board as we enter a crucial stage of the season.
"We've got some big games coming up, starting this Friday at Munster, and this is a great boost for the club.
"We know the quality Sean brings, his scoring record in Super Rugby speaks for itself, but he knows he has to earn his place in the team as we have a lot of quality in the back division here.
"I'll be looking for him to work hard in training and earn the chance to show the supporters what he's all about."
Comments
Ramage says...
@TV addict if they are then they should hunt Quade down. Im sure he'd be interested in the Poond.
Posted 11:23 30th November 2012
atg77 says...
I think we can do away with DTH now that we have a complete backline... 9.Pygros.10.Jackson.11.Seymour.12.Dunbar.13.Hogg.14.Maitland.15.Murchie
Posted 21:48 29th November 2012
HRFC2 says...
your right Jane isn't bulky either but Jane [and Kearney] are probably the best in world right now under the high ball.
DTH plays 13 for Canada so that is an option as well.
seymour...hogg..dth and now maitland...a bit crowded. Which is why i wonder why they don't spend that extra money on a good link up player.
Posted 14:53 29th November 2012
jonesy2 says...
what a crying shame. such a travesty
Posted 10:59 29th November 2012
porridge_time says...
probably not a bulky as the AB's would want, but again...not needed.
Cory Jane is not bulky. Maitland was unfortunate in so much that at 24 the next bunch of class Kiwi youngsters were hiton hus heels, plus Hosea Gear and Cory Jane were still playing very well.
I think Mailand will play well in a back three with Hogg moving to 13... at club and country.
Posted 08:09 29th November 2012
porridge_time says...
Isograford... he had a serious of injuries that kept him out of Crusaders. There is so much competition for the back three in NZ. He probably felt that with the incumbents in the squad at the time his chances of test rugby might be slipping away.
Moving to Scotland and qualifying through Scottish Grandparents is a good move for a quality player in my opinion.
Posted 20:20 28th November 2012
sonsofsamoa says...
@Isograford
You sir are a troll. Who are you to stop all these guys representing another country if their eligibility suits? You are as annoying as your forum username..
Posted 22:03 27th November 2012
hayj05 says...
@Isograford - Injuries.
He's a guy that definately could of pushed for the AB's in the future but he is obviously not in the right frame of mind regarding his chances. I'm guessing this move is more about international Rugby than money, otherwise he would of waited a few more years.
Posted 21:55 27th November 2012
5Lock4ward says...
Ladies and gentleman, his will be one of the first names called out during the announcement of the 2013 B&I Lions. Right after Waldrom and Tuialangi...British and Irish as they are.
Posted 20:12 27th November 2012
Isograford says...
Bit of a mystery what happened to Maitland. A couple of years ago lots of people were talking about him making the All Blacks, even Graham Henry said he was pretty close and then he just seemed to fall out of favour, even at the Crusaders.
Oh well, will no doubt be another kilted kiwi running out for Scotland soon enough.
Posted 17:46 27th November 2012
HRFC2 says...
hee hee he thats funny....[tv addict comment and the fact that the one of the few positions that they are best in class at is the wings and they bring in another one...perhaps the once full wallets would have thought of bringing someone in who can create an overlap and get the ball to the wings...]
I have seen Sean play in person and he is def a quality player...probably not a bulky as the AB's would want, but again...not needed.
Posted 16:09 27th November 2012
TVaddict says...
Silverware? Are they planning a robbery or something?!
Posted 15:39 27th November 2012