BERNARD JACKMAN HAS revealed the Dragons will hold talks with Wales winger George North in a bid to convince him to join the region when he leaves Northampton Saints at the end of the season.
Reports in Wales suggest the Dragons, sixth in Conference B of the Guinness Pro14, have already outlined their long-term vision to North and hope the capture of Lion Ross Moriarty will help persuade the 25-year-old to move to Rodney Parade.
North announced last month that he will be leaving Northampton to return to Wales on a national dual contract from next season, although he has yet to finalise terms with one of the regions.
“I think the plan is to meet him over Christmas or in the early New Year,” Jackman said today.
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“He’s in no rush. He’s coming back to Wales, which is an amazing coup for the WRU. He’s in no rush to meet any of us — he can take his time.
“When the opportunity arises, we’ll meet him, which I’m sure most if not all of the regions will and have a chat with him and see if our project is of interest to him.
“We would love to have him. He’s a world-class player and a world-class bloke.”
Jackman has previously spoken about the Dragons’ vision to become the top Welsh region within three years and the signing of Moriarty from Gloucester, as well as the arrival of Welsh scrum-half Rhodri Williams from Bristol, signals their intention.
It’s thought Jackman, the former Leinster and Ireland hooker, is looking to recruit as many as 14 new players for next year, and will also be boosted by Gavin Henson’s decision to commit for another year.
He hopes it will entice other players to join the club.
“It does. We announced Rhodri Williams from Bristol a month ago and I think he’s going to be a cracking signing,” Jackman continued.
“Maybe because he’s been playing in England people have lost touch with his form but he’s coming back to Wales a far better player than he was when he left and he was a very good player leaving.
“Ross is a great signing and Rhodri is a really good coup for us to get and, if he can be first choice for the Dragons, I think he could force his way into Welsh reckoning for the World Cup.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
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Jackman to hold transfer talks with North over potential move to Dragons
BERNARD JACKMAN HAS revealed the Dragons will hold talks with Wales winger George North in a bid to convince him to join the region when he leaves Northampton Saints at the end of the season.
Reports in Wales suggest the Dragons, sixth in Conference B of the Guinness Pro14, have already outlined their long-term vision to North and hope the capture of Lion Ross Moriarty will help persuade the 25-year-old to move to Rodney Parade.
North announced last month that he will be leaving Northampton to return to Wales on a national dual contract from next season, although he has yet to finalise terms with one of the regions.
“I think the plan is to meet him over Christmas or in the early New Year,” Jackman said today.
“He’s in no rush. He’s coming back to Wales, which is an amazing coup for the WRU. He’s in no rush to meet any of us — he can take his time.
“When the opportunity arises, we’ll meet him, which I’m sure most if not all of the regions will and have a chat with him and see if our project is of interest to him.
Jackman has previously spoken about the Dragons’ vision to become the top Welsh region within three years and the signing of Moriarty from Gloucester, as well as the arrival of Welsh scrum-half Rhodri Williams from Bristol, signals their intention.
It’s thought Jackman, the former Leinster and Ireland hooker, is looking to recruit as many as 14 new players for next year, and will also be boosted by Gavin Henson’s decision to commit for another year.
He hopes it will entice other players to join the club.
“It does. We announced Rhodri Williams from Bristol a month ago and I think he’s going to be a cracking signing,” Jackman continued.
“Maybe because he’s been playing in England people have lost touch with his form but he’s coming back to Wales a far better player than he was when he left and he was a very good player leaving.
“Ross is a great signing and Rhodri is a really good coup for us to get and, if he can be first choice for the Dragons, I think he could force his way into Welsh reckoning for the World Cup.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
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bernard jackman pro14 signal of intent Newport Dragons