The 26-year-old full-back follows New Zealand World Cup winning prop, Ben Franks, to Madejski Stadium as Exiles continue to plan ahead for next season under new director of rugby, Tom Coventry, who arrives in the summer.

Maitland joins Irish from Glasgow Warriors on a 'long-term deal', though the club have not specified the exact length of the contract.

New Zealand-born Maitland gave up on his All Blacks ambitions when he declared for Scotland and switched to the Glasgow Warriors during the 2012-13 season.

He qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents and has made 15 caps for the country, scoring two tries.

Maitland was convinced to join Irish by the club's new operations director, Bob Casey, and interim head coach, Glenn Delaney.

Maitland, who stands 6ft 2ins and weighs 100kgs, said: “I’m excited to be joining London Irish at the end of the season.

"Having spoken to 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.”

Maitland helped New Zealand win the Under 19s World Cup in 2007 and played every game for Crusaders in 2008 when they won the Super 12 title.

He also won silverware with Canterbury the following year and enjoyed a terrific season in 2011 including a record-equalling four-try haul against the Brumbies.

However, he gave up on his All Blacks ambitions when he made a try-scoring debut for Scotland against England in 2013.

His performances for Scotland also saw him picked as one of four wingers in Warren Gatland's victorious Lions side that defeated Australia 2-1 the same year.

Casey expects Maitland to make a big impact at London Irish, saying: “Sean is a British and Irish Lion back three player and proven on the international stage.

"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.”

Meanwhile, London Irish duo Blair Cowan and Geoff Cross have been named in Scotland Six Nations squad.

However, scrum-half Tomas O'Leary has confirmed he is returning to Munster at the end of the season.

Irish travel to Italy to face Rovigo this Saturday (3pm) where a win would send them into the European Challenge Cup quarter finals, with a home draw at Madejski Stadium.