Northampton lifted the 2013-14 Premiership title in George North's second season in England

George North's decision to leave Northampton Saints to return to Wales is "not the end of the world", says former team manager Lennie Newman.

Wales wing North, 25, will return to his home country on a national dual contract at the end of the season.

He has scored 26 tries in 54 league appearances but has also had time out with injury and multiple concussions.

"It's been a bit like having a Ferrari in your garage but you can't find the key for it," Newman said.

"That's not sometimes through his fault. But there are times when he's been a wasted commodity and he is a marquee player - one of the best players at the club."

North has been out of action since suffering a knee injury in October, missing the Autumn internationals, but is expected to be fit to return to the Northampton side late in December.

He was a key part of the 2013 British and Irish Lions squad that secured a series victory in Australia, but returned home early from this summer's tour with a hamstring problem.

Newman, who had a 21-year involvement with the club, told BBC Radio Northampton: "Personally I don't think it's the end of the world.

"You like to keep hold of your best players but to me it's just very much the king is dead, long live the king.

"We're not party to this but I wouldn't be at all surprised if he's gone for less money, less games and looking after his own interests a little bit more."

He'll be very hard to replace - Harrison

George North has 69 international caps so would not have been affected by Wales' new 60-cap rule for players playing club rugby outside the country

Having been top of the Premiership after beating Harlequins at the end of September, Northampton have dropped to eighth following a run of just one win in seven games in all competitions.

Jim Mallinder's side have signed Wales fly-half Dan Biggar for next season, but flanker Teimana Harrison says the timing of North's departure - after defeat by bottom side Worcester on Saturday - has not been ideal.

"I think it's a bit tough to chew, with the position the club is at at the minute," said the England international.

"For me personally I was a bit surprised that he was going, but when you sit back and think about it he's a proud Welshman and to go back and play in his home country, be closer to family and be more at home I think you can understand his decision.

"I'd say we've got a couple of world class players and he's one of them, and he'll be very hard to replace."

Move could extend North's career - Gatland

George North: Up to him where he plays in Wales, says Warren Gatland

With player welfare a hot topic since the Premiership's controversial plans to extend the season, Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes returning to the Pro14 will prove to be a good decision for North in the long-term.

"The big thing is a lot of the players recognise the benefit of the national dual contract is limiting the amount of games - which is 16 for their clubs and an eight-week break in the summer - as they are managed from a national point of view," he told BBC Wales.

"They are looking to try to extend the lengths of players' careers, and finding them something at the end of their careers.

"We are seeing the benefit of Jonathan Davies coming back from France with his form, but unfortunately he has picked up an injury at the moment."