Saracens and Scotland’s ‘outstanding competitor’ makes retirement call after illustrious career

Experienced Saracens and Scotland speedster Sean Maitland has announced that he will call time on his career at the end of his club’s current Premiership campaign.

Maitland, who has been one of the game’s leading wings for more than a decade will hang up his boots after an illustrious career both domestically and in the international arena.

The 35-year-old was born in New Zealand and made his professional debut for Canterbury when he was just 17 years old, and made his bow for the Crusaders in Super Rugby at 19.

Shone in New Zealand

Maitland played for New Zealand at U19 and U20 level, as well as the Maori All Blacks before moving to the Northern Hemisphere.

He joined Glasgow Warriors in 2012 and made his Scotland debut in 2013 before being called up to the victorious British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia in that same year.

His represented Scotland in 53 Tests which included appearances at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.

Maitland joined Saracens from London Irish in 2016, and has made 147 appearances for the Men in Black winning three Premiership titles and two European crowns during his eight-year stint at the North London club.

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Maitland, who will be hoping to finish his trophy-filled career with another Premiership title had special words of praise for everyone at Saracens.

“Saracens is such a special place and I cannot thank everyone enough. It is a place I will always treasure and I can’t wait to watch as a fan for years to come.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to making my career so enjoyable from start to finish.”

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall hailed Maitland’s influence at the StoneX Stadium-based outfit.

‘An outstanding competitor’

“We feel very fortunate to have shared the last eight years with Sean. He has been an outstanding competitor on the field and a brilliant team mate off it.

“Sean is loyal, humble, fun and in his own quiet way has played a key role in driving the values we hold dear. He is respected by everyone and will be greatly missed by us all.

“We would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution to the club and wish him, Nava, Lucy, Lilly and Louis all the best for the future.”

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