Maitland moves to London Irish

British and Irish Lions full-back Sean Maitland will leave Glasgow Warriors for London Irish this summer.

The 26-year-old has agreed a "long-term contract" to join Irish, and could slot in as a replacement for Tom Homer if the full-back signs for Bath as expected.

New Zealand-born Maitland admitted the summer arrival of new Kiwi head coach Tom Coventry proved a big selling point in his decision to sign for Irish.

The 15-cap Scotland full-back believes the Aviva Premiership club are making positive strides after rugby director Brian Smith resigned his post to return to Australia.

"I'm excited to be joining London Irish at the end of the season," said Maitland, who follows All Blacks prop Ben Franks in signing for the Premiership club.

"Having spoken to (London Irish coaches) 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."

Former Crusaders wing Maitland joined Glasgow in 2012 and made his Scotland debut a year later, qualifying through grandparents.

The New Zealand Under-19s graduate toured Australia with the Lions in 2013.

Operations director Casey hailed Maitland's capture as important in Irish's continued bid to revamp their set-up in the wake of former England coach Smith's exit.

"Sean is a British and Irish Lion back three player and proven on the International stage," said Casey.

"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."