At the end of the current season, test captain George North is expected to sign a contract in the French second division and leave Welsh rugby.
The center has been mentioned in relation to a move to France in recent weeks, and Provence, a Pro D2 team, has reportedly reached an agreement with them.
According to reports, North will make over £300,000 a year at his new club, demonstrating both the French team’s ambition and Welsh rugby’s financial difficulties.
Flowing logo
Toby Booth, North’s current head coach at the Ospreys, recently discussed the challenges the team faces in retaining their best players in Wales.
“We recognize that people will be drawn to good players,” Booth remarked. Big-spending teams will be interested in the Welsh market because they understand that we cannot afford to pay big players big salaries.
“This season, we have a budget of £5.2 million, but next season, that amount will drop to £4.5 million, so every region is still facing severe financial hardship, and I don’t think this is the end of it either.”
Given that he is over the 25-cap threshold needed for players based abroad, North will still be eligible for Wales, but Warren Gatland will suffer if he is not competing at the top club rugby level.
When North arrives, Provence could already be in the Top 14 and hold the third-place position in the Pro D2, but if not, that could hurt his chances of playing for his country.
North after retirement
The center, who made his Test debut in 2010 as a teenager, is only 31 years old but has already racked up more miles than most.
“I felt like I was really happy with my performance in the World Cup,” he said.
“(I am) still competing, so for me, I am very much still wanting to play and compete for that jersey. It is still a huge part of me and a big driver for me.
