North will be our Ronaldo – Clarke
THE Ospreys have been told they will have rugby’s version of Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks after George North’s decision to sign for the Liberty Stadium region.
The 76-cap Wales and Lions flying wing ended months of speculation this week by opting to play his rugby out of Swansea next season on a national dual contract, funded 60 per cent by the Welsh Rugby Union and 40 per cent by the Ospreys.
And it is fair to say his arrival is being eagerly awaited.
No side has scored fewer tries than the Ospreys in the Guinness PRO14 this season, but the former PRO14 champions feel the 6ft 4in, 17st 2lb North will significantly bolster their firepower.
And coach Allen Clarke reckons North will prove a huge crowd-pleaser to rugby fans on the lines of Portugal and Real Madrid icon Ronaldo.
“It’s fantastic for the Ospreys and for Welsh rugby in general to be bringing in a player who has 70 caps for Wales, is a double-British Lion and still only 26 years of age,” Clarke told the Ospreys in an interview on social media.
“He’s the sort of player who puts bums on seats. When he gets the ball people shuffle to the edge of those seats. He’s like a Ronaldo in soccer. He has that ability to excite the crowd. It’s a tremendous coup for us as a region.”
The Ospreys will welcome North into a squad containing fellow new signings Scott Williams, Aled Davies, Tom Botha and Lesley Klim, while Clarke himself has taken over the head coach role and Matt Sherratt will guide the backs. The first target is to win the play-off for Champions Cup qualification next month, but whatever happens, Clarke feels North will be a success at the Ospreys and the benefits will be reciprocal.
“George is a proud Welshman who’s coming back here to benefit us and display his talents on the field for us,” said Clarke.
“Equally, we want to manage George and get the absolute best out of him. I’m really looking forward to working with him. He’ll bring quality, excitement and the experience of dealing with the pressure of highlevel competition.
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