Saints coach delighted to have 'matchwinner' North
Wales winger can help take Northampton to the next level, says Jim Mallinder.
Regions blast "defensive" Welsh Rugby Union
Regional Rugby Wales says it's "staggered and "bitterly disappointed" by Sunday's statement from the Welsh Rugby Union.
North rules out French move
Wales wing George North tells ITV Wales News he has no intention of joining the Welsh exodus to France, for the time being at least.
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Saints coach delighted to have 'matchwinner' North
Wales winger can help take Northampton to the next level, says Jim Mallinder.
Read the full storyGeorge North's Northampton deal follows WRU/Scarlets row
Today's news that George North has completed his move to the Northampton Saints brings to an end speculation over his future that began when the Welsh Rugby Union accused the Scarlets' management of trying to sell the 20 year old without his knowledge.
In a statement two weeks ago, the WRU claimed that the "Scarlets opened discussions to transfer the player with clubs outside Wales and the UK late in 2012."
The union said that "George North informed the WRU shortly after the Wales v Ireland RBS 6 Nations international on February 2nd 2013 that he had then been told of the transfer proposal."
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Scarlets: We offered North 'the best deal we could'
The Chief Executive of the Scarlets, Mark Davies says that they made George North 'the very best offer' they could.
In a statement on the club's website he said that his value was "considerably greater than the Scarlets as an independent business can reach.”
– Mark Davies, Chief Executive of the ScarletsEveryone at the Scarlets will wish George the very best in his future career now that it is clear he will be playing his club rugby in Northampton for the next few years.
Despite our desire to retain all our internationals within the region, we have to balance our available resource over the need to sustain a 50-deep player squad that can continue to compete during international periods.
George North to remain at Scarlets until end of season
The Scarlets have announced that George North will remain with the Llanelli based side until the end of the current season.
In a statement on their website they said he would join the Northampton Saints for the start of the 2013-2014 season.
Scarlets confirm George North to join Northampton Saints
The Scarlets have confirmed that they have agreed to release George North a year early from his contract to join Northampton Saints in 2013/14 on a three-year deal.
WRU: We hope talks can be held 'around the board table'
The WRU say that they hope that discussions with Regional Rugby Wales can be held 'around the board table.'
Their statement comes after the body that represents the four Welsh rugby regions said they would not attend talks with the WRU.
– Welsh Rugby Union statementThe WRU welcomes the desire of the Regional Organisations to continue discussions on how best to secure a winning future for professional rugby in Wales and retain the best Welsh talent.
The WRU will outline, to the four Regional Organisations, a strategy for the professional game in Wales and would welcome input from all four Regional organisations.
The Board of the WRU, for the third time, offers the four Regional Organisations the opportunity to address them.
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Regional Rugby Wales refuse talks with WRU
The group that represents the four Welsh rugby regions has pulled out of talks with the WRU. Speaking at a press conference in Cardiff, Stuart Gallagher from Regional Rugby Wales said that he was embarrassed by the propaganda coming from the WRU.
Gallagher said that they had now decided not to go to talks with the Welsh Rugby Union as 'communication has broken down.'
He said that the body was now looking to take the disagreement with the WRU to independent arbitration.
Reports: Scarlets' George North signs for Northampton
Wales Online and the Telegraph are reporting that Scarlets and Wales star George North has signed for English Premiership side Northampton Saints.
The 20-year-old winger's transfer has sparked a major row between the WRU and Wales' four regions.
The union accused the Scarlets of trying to sell North behind his back, a claim which the Llanelli club denied.
The WRU has called talks with the regions over the possible introduction of central contracts, to try to keep players in Wales.
Senior Wales players including Mike Phillips, James Hook and Luke Charteris have left to play their club rugby in France in recent years.
Read More: WRU and regions at war over George North transfer
WRU to meet with Regions after row
by Nick HartleyThe Welsh Rugby Union say they are hoping to meet with representatives of the four regions at their next board meeting to diffuse the ongoing rows over the future of the game.
Both the union and the regions have released public statements over the past few days accusing each other of mishandling discussions over who should employ Welsh internationals. A matter neither seem able to agree on.
WRU welcomes regions' chance to discuss 'issues related to their progress'
The Welsh Rugby Union says it is delighted that the four regions have sought to attend a meeting of the Union's board to "discuss issues related to their progress and development."
They said they invited them earlier this year to "present to the board of the WRU on a range of issues."
– Welsh Rugby Union statementThe WRU has not received confirmation of the Regions’ desire to attend the next full board meeting but looks forward to doing so and will ensure the attendance is confirmed on the prepared agenda.