Ospreys boss explains the ‘harsh reality’ of Welsh Rugby’s ‘premium talent’

Following the confirmation of George North’s departure to Provence, Ospreys boss Toby Booth has reflected on the “harsh reality” of Welsh rugby’s economic climate.

North has signed a two-year deal to join the French second-division outfit next season, becoming the seventh Wales’ World Cup squad member to ply their trade elsewhere.

Tomas Francis is currently also at Provence in the Pro D2, while Dan Biggar (Toulon), Henry Thomas (Montpellier) and Will Rowlands (Racing 92) play for Top 14 clubs.

Meanwhile, Liam Williams and Gareth Anscombe have joined Japanese teams Kubota Spears and Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath respectively. Ospreys also saw star youngster Joe Hawkins leave for Exeter ahead of this season.

Losing top talent

Ospreys boss Booth rued the departure of North, adding that it is the “harsh reality” that the Welsh URC sides can’t retain the services of their top players.

“It is really regrettable when you lose top talent like George, and we will be disappointed to see him go,” Booth told the Ospreys’ official website.

“Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality we are encountering in Welsh rugby at this time.

“The economic constraints we are currently facing mean that while we strive to retain our premium talent, finances mean that sometimes we will be unable to.

“Moving forward, we are focusing on maintaining balanced squad depth that can uphold the standards we set for the Ospreys.

“With that being said, we understand George’s decision to leave and wish him and his family all the best at Provence.”

Wales‘ four URC sides – Ospreys, Dragons, Cardiff and Scarlets – will have their budgets reduced to £4.5million per team next season. In stark contrast, the English Premiership salary cap will increase to £6.4 million for 2024-25.

The Top 14 will still boast the biggest budget as they can currently operate on a £9.2million salary cap.

Ambitious PROD2 outfit

Provence currently sits second on the overall Pro D2 log and is looking to gain promotion to the Top 14 for the first time in its history.

“My family and I are very excited to join Provence Rugby, starting next season,” North told the club’s official website.

“I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and starting an incredible adventure in Provence.”

The experienced back has played 119 Test matches for Wales, scoring 47 tries, and will still remain eligible for selection to Wales’ head coach, Warren Gatland, after the Provence switch.

Provence chief executive Denis Philipon said: “We met in George North a boy of incredible class, who immediately showed interest in the club’s project. His motivation is enormous.

“His presence should allow us to take a very important step in our progress.

“We hope that through his talent, his professionalism, his knowledge of the very high level and his popularity, he will contribute to positioning Provence Rugby as one of the major players in French rugby of tomorrow.”

READ MORE: Loose Pass: European competition, struggles in England and North’s move south