Ospreys’ coaching panel swung decision for North
GEORGE North has revealed the coaching combination of Allen Clarke and Matt Sherratt was the determining factor in him choosing to sign for the Ospreys for the start of next season.
North announced he would be leaving Northampton to rejoin a Welsh region on a National Dual Contract in December – and after months of agonising the 26-year-old confirmed his switch to the Ospreys in April.
North’s NDC will be 60 per cent funded by the Welsh Rugby Union with the rest paid for by his new region, now under the guidance of former Ireland hooker Clarke.
“I’m excited by the challenge and a move down to Swansea to join a new club and a new environment,” North told TRP.
“I’ve spoken with Allen to understand where he is in his new role and I’ve talked to Matt, who’s coming in as backs coach. I’ve worked with him before and I’m looking forward joining up with the guys after this tour.
“When I was looking from the outside and deciding where to go I felt there are some good coaches at the Ospreys and the squad they have there is great as well. They were the two big pulls that really took me there.”
The Ospreys’ woeful campaign saw them miss out on qualification for the Champions Cup and Steve Tandy paid the price with his job in January. Clarke,
below left, replaced him on an interim basis before being appointed to the role full time.
He will work alongside Sherratt, below right, who has moved from Cardiff Blues.
North will be joined at Ospreys by Scott Williams and Aled Davies with Liberty bosses demanding severe improvements.
North, a two-time Lion, took a while to weigh up his move, but believes having his workload managed by Wales will help him star in Swansea.
“We’re creatures of habit and we want to play, but at the same time we want to be taken care of,” said North.
“Being on an NDC and being taken care of by the Union, I can push myself physically, but know I’ll be taken care of when it’s time to rest. “I’ve spoken to the boss (Wales head coach Warren Gatland) and he’s told me I’ll have some time off this season to get away physically and mentally. That can only be a good thing.”