SEAN MAITLAND IS set for a family reunion when he travels to Australia with the British and Irish Lions this summer. The New Zealander, who is qualified to play for Scotland, is first cousins with Wallabies star Quade Cooper.
He was named alongside Tommy Bowe, George North and Alex Cuthbert as the tourists four wingers for the nine-match tour, starting in Hong Kong with a warm-up game against the Barbarians.
The 24-year-old joined Glasgow Warriors from Canterbury Crusaders last August and scored on his Scotland debut against England in February. He is from Tokoroa, the same region of New Zealand as Leinster and Ireland scrumhalf Isaac Boss. The closer link for the winger is his familial ties to Cooper, the Queensland Reds and Australian outhalf who is sure to figure against the Lions this summer.
Maitland told Sky Sports News, “We would probably have a rivalry, starting at the age of 5 when he beat me in a long-distance race. In the last few battles we’ve had, Quade has had the wood over me but hopefully I can get one over him and win the series.”
Quade Cooper fends off Rob Kearney in 2011. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)
Speaking on his club’s website, Maitland said, “Six months ago I was playing rugby in New Zealand and now I’m representing Scotland, which was a dream come true, but being selected to represent the British & Irish Lions is very special. It’s all happened so quick for me but the first people I want to thank are Glasgow Warriors, all the coaches and the boys for the support they’ve shown me since I came here – this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
He added, “We’ve still got a job to do here and the focus will be on the remaining games this season, we all really want to bring silverware back to Glasgow. I’m very proud to be selected, this is a very happy day for me and my family and it’s one I’ll cherish forever.”
