WALES international George North has given his full backing to the decision to make Parc Eirias the new home of the nation’s under-20 side.
North, who hails from Anglesey, has burst onto the international scene and was one a number of stand-out performers for Wales in last year’s Rugby World Cup.
However, it is easy enough to forget that the former Pwllheli, Llangefni and Rhyl youth player is in fact still qualified to represent the U20s having not yet celebrated his 20th birthday.
North, who was yesterday announced in Warren Gatland’s 35-man Six Nations training squad, had admitted in the build-up to the announcement he feared he may be overlooked for the tournament having been plagued by a raft of injuries since the World Cup in New Zealand last autumn as well as not currently being in the best of form.
When it was pointed out to him he would still be eligible for the U20s should he not be picked by Gatland, North laughed: “Every cloud has a silver lining and all that.”
Not that North should really have worried about his selection to the Wales party, having been one of Wales’ go-to men in recent times and enjoying a stunning try return for someone so young.
And since the international retirement of fellow winger Shane Williams, a lot more will be expected of the 19-year-old Scarlets flier.
But while North will now be turning his attention to the senior side and their onslaught on the Six Nations title, he welcomed the decision to the take the U20s to North Wales, and admits he will be keeping a close on eye on proceedings.
Wales U20s entertain Scotland on Friday, February 10 (7.35pm), Italy on Friday, March 9 (7.10pm) and France on Friday, March 16 (7.35pm).
“My mentality is that the more games up there the better I think,” said North. “In terms of the rugby world, North Wales is a bit of an un-explored land isn’t it?
“I’m going to try and get up there, if I can of course, to watch a couple of those games. It’s not only my home, but it would be nice to see some top class rugby up there as well.”
North also believes the region is somewhat of an untapped gold mine in terms of talent.
He himself is perfect proof to the rugby scene that North Wales can produce world class players, and North is convinced that these U20 matches can help inspire the next batch of talented youngsters to take up the game, while he is also hoping the North Wales public turn out in their droves to support the team.
He added: “I know for a fact there’s a lot of good players up there that haven’t had the same chances that I have had myself.
“I think the more rugby you get up there at that level, then it will attract a lot more attention.”
The decision to make Parc Eirias as the new home of the U20s came at the official opening of the stadium and events centre last November.
And North, who has yet to visit the facility but has been invited to take part in a training session by WRU development manager Marc Roberts in the coming months admits he has heard nothing but rave reviews about the venue.
“Eirias Park, I’ve heard some fantastic things about the new venue and facilities,” he added.
“I’ve been invited by big Marc Roberts to go up there and take part in a few training sessions and when I get time I will as well. I will pop in and say hello.
“It sounds like a great place to train and obviously if I had that facility I think I would have been laughing.”
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