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Gatland delighted by North's return

By Alex Fisher
Wales international George North

Warren Gatland has hailed the impending return of Wales international George North after the winger signed a National Dual Contract (NDC) for next season.

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North left Scarlets in 2013 to join Northampton Saints in the Premiership and has been a huge success, scoring 35 tries in 80 appearances.

His form with Wales has also seen him be part of two British and Irish Lions tours – including this year’s 1-1 draw with New Zealand.

From the 2018-19 season North will return to the Pro14, although with which region remains unclear, and Gatland is delighted to have the 25-year-old back.

“It is fantastic that George is returning to Wales on a National Dual Contract,” said the coach.

 

“At just 25, George is in the prime of his career and signing an NDC, with all the playing and non-playing benefits associated with it, will allow him to flourish.

“It is great for the game here in Wales to see a player of George’s stature and reputation return home to play his domestic rugby.

“We will work with George to determine the best fit for him and will look to announce where he will play in the New Year.”

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North is currently sidelined with a knee injury and is not expected to return until late December.

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Bull Shark 3 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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