BIG GEORGE GETS READY TO MOTOR

GEORGE NORTH is ready to hit top speed on his Guinness PRO14 return.

The hulking British & Irish Lions wing swapped Northampton for Welsh side Ospreys this summer and warmed up for the new season by going to the MotoGP at Silverstone.

Rain caused the race to be postponed, but North is determined not to be a washout at his new club.

The Ospreys host Edinburgh as PRO14 begins tonight and he said:

“I had eight weeks off during the summer but by week five my fiancée was shooing me out of the door, which was fun.

“Mentally, I needed it more than anything as it’s been a long old slog for me. I’m 26 now, but I started when I was 18 and this was my first proper break before starting pre-season.

“I went up to Silverstone last weekend with Scott Williams to watch the MotoGP. It’s very rare we get a few days off to relax like that.

“I’ve been able to prat around, play on bikes, see family and go to three weddings which I’ve never been able to do before. It’s been ideal to come back ahead of a big start to the season.”