Wales wing George North to leave Northampton for Ospreys next season

The addition of 73 times-capped North is a major coup for the Ospreys, having announced Allen Clarke's appointment as head coach on Tuesday

George North will return to Wales next season (Getty)

Wales wing George North will leave Northampton for the Ospreys next season, it has been announced.

North signed a new national dual contract back in November setting up a return to Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union have revealed that the Swansea-based Ospreys will be his destination.

National dual contracts are funded 60 per cent by the WRU and 40 per cent by a player's regional team.

The addition of 73 times-capped North is a major coup for the Ospreys, having announced Allen Clarke's appointment as head coach on Tuesday.

North is set to return to Wales (Getty)

The 26-year-old made his Test debut in 2010 and toured with the British and Irish Lions to Australia in 2013 and New Zealand last year.

In a statement released by the WRU, North said: "I am really excited to be joining the Ospreys and starting a new chapter in my career when I return to Wales.

"I believe the Ospreys have an exciting future with the structure and the recruitment they have put in place, and I am really looking forward to linking up with Allen (Clarke) and the squad in the summer.

"It was a really positive decision for me to sign a national dual contract with the support and structure it provides. I have worked alongside the WRU to finalise my choice of region, and I would like to thank everyone involved."