By David Parsons
George North has agreed a two-year deal to join second-tier French side Provence from the Ospreys at the end of the season.
North was part of the Wales side that lost in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals to Argentina and can still play for his country as he has many more than the 25 caps needed to play outside of Wales, with 119.
Provence are currently second in the French rugby second division and are pushing for a place in the Top 14. North will play for the side from next season.
“My family and I are very excited to be joining Provence Rugby from next season. I can’t wait to meet everyone and start an amazing adventure in Provence. See you soon at Maurice-David!” said North.
North has spent most of his career playing in Wales, initially at Scarlets from 2010 to 2013 and with the Ospreys over the last five years.
Bienvenue en Provence, @George_North !
+ d'infos 👉https://t.co/UxMpyR6JR6 pic.twitter.com/HJsqdq9J4T— Provence Rugby ⚫️🏉 (@ProvenceRugby) December 4, 2023
In between that period, he was a key figure for Northampton Saints as he turned from wing to centre.
North has been a Wales regular for over a decade and was part of the 2013 and 2017 British and Irish Lions Test sides.
He will become the fifth member of Wales’ 2023 World Cup squad to play in France, following Tomas Francis, Dan Biggar (Toulon), Henry Thomas (Montpellier) and Will Rowlands (Racing 92).
Exciting times ahead @ProvenceRugby https://t.co/jNmnXaU5Ii
— George North (@George_North) December 4, 2023
And two other players – backs Liam Williams and Gareth Anscombe – have joined Japanese teams Kubota Spears and Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, respectively. They will be unavailable for this season’s Six Nations.
“We met in George North a boy of incredible class, who immediately showed interest in the club’s project,” said Provence CEO Denis Philipon.
“His motivation is enormous. We are obviously very happy that he is joining us and we hope that he will thrill our supporters. His presence should allow us to take a very important step in our progress.
“George is a great rugby player but also a great man. We hope that through his talent, his professionalism, his knowledge of the very high level and his popularity, he will contribute to positioning Provence Rugby as one of the major players in French rugby of tomorrow.”
Provence Rugby have agreed to sign George North on a two year deal from next season ✍️#BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/DDIRoWSayQ
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) December 4, 2023