Saints coach delighted to have 'matchwinner' North
Wales winger can help take Northampton to the next level, says Jim Mallinder.
Scarlets v Ospreys in PRO12 West Wales derby
This evening sees the West Wales derby in the RaboDirect PRO12. Our Sports Correspondent Richard Morgan looks ahead to the big game.
Scarlets thrash Euro giants Leinster at start of PRO12
The Llanelli side ran out 45-20 winners over their weakened Irish opposition, while Cardiff Blues beat Connacht 13-9.
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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.
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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.
Andy Moore: George North is "a world star"
Former Wales international Andy Moore says rugby winger George North is a "world star".
He was talking to ITV News just before the Scarlets issued a statement saying they are "astonished" and "disappointed" at yesterday's Welsh Rugby Union comments on George North's future.
The WRU claim that the Scarlets tried selling him to another club before telling him first. The Scarlets have strongly denied the claims. But Andy Moore says North is "hot property".
Full-time: Zebre 10 - 24 Scarlets
The Scarlets enjoyed a convincing win over Zebre in Italy tonight, with tries by Liam Williams and Johan Snyman helping the side to a full-time score of 24 - 10.
It means the Scarlets remain in fourth place and in the battle for a first play-off place.
North cleared to return for Scarlets and Wales
Wales have been handed a major boost with the news that George North should be back in action for the Scarlets within two weeks - and perhaps even this weekend.
The winger was stretchered off with a neck injury during his region's defeat to Ulster on Friday night. Tests found that it wasn't as serious as first feared.
Scarlets head of medicine Andy Walker said: 'He had a double whiplash on the neck. That could have caused significant injury. Fortunately we're just dealing with some soft tissue trauma - severe bruising. It's definitely positive for the Six Nations. All being well he is not far off.'
Wales begin the defence of their Grand Slam against Ireland on 2 February. 20-year-old North has already won 26 caps.
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Stoddart: I retire with 'real sadness'
Morgan Stoddart said: 'It is with real sadness that I have to announce my retirement and it has been a difficult few months as I come to terms with the fact that I was not going to return to full fitness. I have been very fortunate to play for the Scarlets and Wales and have enjoyed every game.'
Scarlets head coach Simon Easterby said: 'We are very sorry to see him go and every one of the team and I am sure all our supporters wish him all our very best in his future life off the field and as Scarlets we will support him as much as we can in whatever he chooses to do.'
Full-back Stoddart forced to retire
Scarlets and Wales full-back Morgan Stoddart has been forced to retire from rugby, after failing to recover from a double leg fracture sustained while playing for his country in 2011.
The 28-year-old has played 85 times for the Scarlets and been capped eight times by Wales.
Wales and Scarlets wait for North injury news
George North will assessed by the Scarlets medical team today - as they look to establish how serious the neck injury he sustained on Friday night against Ulster is.
The winger was taken to hospital after the incident, had his neck scanned and x-rays taken, although the results showed no serious injury. He flew back from Belfast with the rest of the team on Saturday morning.
The Scarlets say 'it is too early to assess the full extent of the injury at this stage or indeed the recovery period.' Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley will surely be keeping a close eye, with the opening game of the Six Nations - against Ireland - less than a month away.
George North injury update
The Scarlets have confirmed that there is 'no significant or serious damage' to George North's neck.
The winger was stretchered off the pitch during last night's PRO12 clash against Ulster.
In a statement this evening, the club have confirmed he will be further assessed by the Scarlets medical team on Monday, but that it is too early to assess the full extent of the injury or recovery period at this early stage.
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