Heading home.

Lions winger George North is set to make a sensational return to Welsh rugby next season on a WRU National Dual Contract, but which region he will play for is yet to be decided.

North’s current deal with Northampton is up at the end of the season, but the Welsh Rugby Union have revealed that they have agreed a deal to bring the winger home.

He has been with the Saints since 2013, playing over 100 times for the Premiership side, but feels the time is right to return home.

“This has been an incredibly hard decision.” North said.

“Saints have developed me as a player and stuck by me through thick and thin, so it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to move on. I love playing for Northampton Saints and am excited by the potential of the squad that is being assembled but, as a proud Welshman, I felt that now is the right time to move back home despite the compelling offer Saints made me.

“I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of this great club for the last four years. I have loved every minute of my time here and I am excited to see what we can achieve this season. I will be putting everything I have into helping the squad fulfil our potential this year in the highly competitive Aviva Premiership, and I will sorely miss Franklin’s Gardens in the future.

“I would like to thank the squad, coaches, medical team, support staff and especially all of the supporters who have made my time at Northampton Saints so memorable.”

Northampton Saints chief executive Mark Darbon says North was made an ‘appropriate’ offer to stay, but declined to do so.

[WalesOnline]