Sean Maitland’s meteoric rise into international rugby continued with the Scotland wing one of the surprise choices for the 37-man British and Irish Lions tour party to Australia this summer.
The New Zealand-born 24-year-old is one of just three Scottish caps in the touring party, one more than the all-time low of the last Lions Tour to South Africa in 2009.
He won his first Scotland cap in February’s Calcutta Cup clash with England, having arrived in the country only in November after making himself available for the country of his grandparents’ birth.
Maitland is joined in the squad by Scotland’s best two new homegrown stars, lock Richie Gray and full-back Stuart Hogg, but there is no place for the national team skipper Kelly Brown.
There’s added spice for Maitland in touring as Quade Cooper, Australia’s star fly-half, is his cousin.
“We’ve been battling against each other since the age of five when he beat me in a long distance race in New Zealand,” recalled Maitland.
“The last few battles we’ve had he has had the better of me, but hopefully I can get one back now,” said Maitland.
“I will give him a call later on and give him a bit of stick. It is going to be quite funny and I’m really excited about going to Australia.”
Cooper, also born in New Zealand, made his reaction on twitter, saying: “So proud of my little cuz! Long way from the backyard in Tokorua.”
Maitland added: “I’m pretty speechless right now I listened to the announcement with my Glasgow Warriors team mates and everyone was cheering when they called out Stuart Hogg’s name and then mine. I can’t describe how I am feeling.
“It has been a roller-coaster ride for me since I decided to come over here and achieve new goals. It was a decision that just happened to coincide with a Lions year and it has worked out well for me.”