Mallinder: North to stay on the wing

Wales may be interested in converting British & Irish Lions wing George North into a centre, but his club coach has no plans to help out.

North was one of the stars of this summer’s tour of Australia, touching down in each of the Lions’ test-match wins in Brisbane and Sydney.

And with attentions turning to next year’s Six Nations campaign, the Welsh camp has suggested he may be in line for a position change in the future.

Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins said last month: “George certainly would be an option in that area. Who knows?”

However Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder insists he will play no part in converting the 21-year-old – a high-profile summer signing from Scarlets – into a centre.

Mallinder’s concerns lie in ensuring success at Franklin’s Gardens even if Wales chief, and the man in charge of the Lions this summer, Warren Gatland disagrees.

“Unfortunately for Warren Gatland, we won’t be selecting George for what he wants,” said Mallinder. “We will be doing it for what’s best for Northampton.”