British & Irish Lions star to retire at end of season

Saracens winger Sean Maitland has announced his retirement.

The 35-year-old is looking to win a fourth Premiership title before hanging up his boots at the end of the season.

Maitland joined Saracens from London Irish in 2016 and has also won two European Cups during his 147 appearances for the club.

The former New Zealand Under-20 international joined Glasgow in 2012 and won the first of 53 Scotland caps the following year. He played at two Rugby World Cups and also won British and Irish Lions recognition.

Maitland said: “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 added: “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.”