OSPREYS SET TO WIN RACE FOR NORTH
GEORGE North appears ready to end months of speculation over his future by joining the Ospreys.
The Wales and Lions wing has been mulling over which region to commit to since flagging up his intention six months ago to return to Wales on national dual contract.
Cardiff Blues, the Dragons and Ospreys have been scrapping for his services after the Scarlets, his region of origin, withdrew from contention earlier this month.
The Blues have made a particularly strong bid for North, with their head coach-elect John Mulvihill making a personal plea to the 76-cap player to head for the Arms Park.
But the Ospreys look to have won the day.
The Liberty Stadium region are aiming to reinvigorate their back line but are short of back-three options after the retirement from playing of Eli Walker and the absence of Ben John for next season because of concussion. North would fit the bill perfectly for them and negotiations over the big man moving to Swansea are at an advanced stage.
The 27-year-old is a close friend of Scott Williams, who is joining the Ospreys next season, and is understood to have been persuaded of the region’s determination to re-establish themselves after a challenging season during which they have parted company with Steve Tandy as head coach.
Irishman Allen Clarke is widely felt to have done a fine job as interim head coach, and North is said to have confidence in the Ospreys’ vision for the future and their management-team proposals for next season and beyond.
He hasn’t put his name to anything yet, but the Ospreys now look firm favourites to secure the former Scarlet for next term.
His signing would undoubtedly be a huge boost to the former league champions.
The 6ft 4in, 17st 2in player showed after returning from injury during the Six Nations what an asset he could be and he would add some real firepower to the Liberty team’s backline.