The wing, who turns 33 next month, is determined to get a flying start to the season with newly-promoted Saracens and put himself in prime position for the Autumn Internationals.
Maitland has 53 caps and is eager to add to his tally of 15 tries having been denied that prospect in the final Six Nations game with France.
Maitland had to sit out a memorable Scotland win in Paris due to a special agreement between the tournament organisers and Premier Rugby over the limited number of England-based players who could be selected.
New Zealand-born Maitland, whose disappointment and frustration lingers five months on, told TRP: “I’m a bit of a veteran I guess now but I still feel good physically and mentally. The six-week break has definitely helped me going into this season. I still feel I can compete at a high level.
“I want to play some good footie and I’m hoping to crack on with the international stuff.
“I just said to Gregor ‘tell me when my time is up!’ I told him to pick me until you feel I am not good enough. Give me a call and say you’ve done your job and it will be time to move on.
This story is from the August 22, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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This story is from the August 22, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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