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WRU chiefs are ready to bankroll a move to bring George North back to Wales next season despite the Lions wing being eligible to stay in the Aviva Premiership under the Union's new selection policy.

North's has amassed nine more caps than the 60-Test threshold recently announced by the WRU to replace 'Gatland's Law' but the 25-year-old wing is out of contract with Northampton Saints, who he joined from the Scarlets in 2013, and has yet to pen a new deal.

North is among the high earners in the Aviva Premiership but WRU chairman Gareth Davies believes the regions can now afford to bankroll North’s services.

"George North will always be a target," Davies told the Mail on Sunday. "Now we’re in a better position to get him back. We want little Jonny to be able to go and see his favourite player in Wales.

"We’ve succeeded in bringing Jonathan Davies and Leigh Halfpenny back. Is it good for the wider game if all the best players are playing in England? I don’t think so but it’s their right to do so.

"In the past, we’ve used NDC money to keep youngsters who were tempted to move abroad and try to play for Wales. Now we can use it to bring them back or retain more experienced guys.

"Someone like Alun-Wyn Jones has got to be a prime target to keep in Wales. He is important for the game, his region and the national team. He’ll be a lynchpin in getting the Ospreys back on track."