Glasgow have signed Crusaders and Canterbury outside back Sean Maitland, but Scotland could be the big winners from the 24-year-old's move north.

The Warriors announced on their website overnight (NZT) that they have signed Maitland on a deal until May 2015, with the former New Zealand under-20 player to join his new team in the coming weeks, subject to medical and visa requirements.

The strong running and quick winger-cum-fullback has been touted as a future All Black but he has a Scottish grandfather and Scotland are likely to want to get their hands on him as soon as they can.

"We're delighted to be welcoming a player of Sean Maitland's calibre to Glasgow Warriors," Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend told the club's website.

"The back three is an area of the team where we already have a number of excellent options, and Sean will provide a further layer of quality as we enter another busy phase of the season.

"His try-scoring record in Super Rugby speaks for itself, and he's also a player who has a big appetite for self-improvement.

"He will be a fantastic addition to our squad and will, I'm sure, be very popular with our supporters."

Maitland, who scored 24 tries in Super Rugby, won world titles with the All Blacks at under-19 and under-20 level and represented New Zealand Maori in 2010.

Townsend told Radio Live this morning that Glasgow had been chasing the talented Crusader for more than two years.

- © Fairfax NZ News