SEAN Maitland has left London Irish to join Saracens for next season.

The 27-year-old Scotland international will make the switch to the reigning Aviva Premiership champions and European Cup holders following Irish's relegation from the top flight.

Maitland spent only one year with the Exiles having joined from Glasgow Warriors in 2015.

He made 17 appearances for London Irish last season, but was ultimately unable to help keep them up.

Exiles have lost a host of players since their relegation was confirmed.

Prop Halani Aulika has moved to Sale, while Andrew Fenby, Geoff Cross and Tom Guest have all retired.

Bath are showing interest in Irish forward Blair Cowan, who also plays for Scotland, while New Zealand forward, Ben Franks, is expected to move to a Premiership club before the new season starts.

London Irish head of rugby operation, Glenn Delaney, said: “The club has agreed with Saracens that Sean can join them at the end of this season.

"We wish him well and thank him for all his efforts both on and off the pitch.

“We have a number of signings that have committed their future to London Irish for next season.

"We will continue to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2016-17 season as we aim to compete effectively in the Championship and to make an immediate return to the Aviva Premiership.”