Wasted commodity.

Former Northampton team manager Lennie Newman says George North’s move back home to Wales is probably a good move for the winger, who he feel has been wasted by the Premiership club.

North has played 54 times for the Saints, bagging 26 tries since his move from Scarlets following the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. But his time at Franklin’s Garden has been largely hampered with concussion problems and other injuries.

Newman, who ended his 21-year association with Northampton in 2009, told BBC Radio Northampton:

“It’s been a bit like having a Ferrari in your garage but you can’t find the key for it.

“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.

“Personally, I don’t think it’s the end of the world [North leaving]. 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.”