North to return to Wales with Ospreys

George North has sealed a return to Wales by agreeing to join the Ospreys from next season.

North confirmed last November that he would be leaving Northampton Saints after five years when he signed a National Dual Contract with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and committed to returning to Wales.

The Wales winger has since been working with the WRU to decide which region he would represent from next season, and it is the Ospreys who have snapped up the 26-year-old’s services.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Ospreys and starting a new chapter in my career when I return to Wales,” he told the club’s official website.

“I believe the Ospreys have an exciting future with the structure and the recruitment they have put in place and I’m really looking forward to linking up with [head coach] Allen [Clarke] and the squad in the summer.

“It was a really positive decision for me to sign a National Dual Contract with the support and structure it provides.

“I have worked alongside the WRU to finalise my choice of region and I would like to thank everyone involved. I’m really looking forward to becoming an Osprey.”

Incoming Message Alert#BackInTheHunt#ImCommitted#MyTeam pic.twitter.com/HoKgU5DrRe

— Ospreys (@ospreys) April 25, 2018

North left Welsh side Scarlets in 2013 to join Saints, where he clinched Premiership and European Challenge Cup titles.

The 26-year-old has made 73 appearances for Wales, scoring 32 tries.

Ospreys are fifth in Pro14 Conference A this season and are out of contention for the play-offs.

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