George North ready to take pay cut

Wales international George North said the players would not mind a cut in wages as the sport look to overcome the instability caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

A number of England clubs have already announced a 25 per cent pay cut to staff and players while the Rugby Football Union has asked executive and coach Eddie Jones to take a reduced salary as most part of the 2019/20 season has been cancelled.

With Pro14 already cancelled and any game is unlikely to happen in the near future, North is confident that players will step up in accepting a pay cut to help the clubs overcome the financial struggles.

“If it meant keeping the league going and keeping the teams going, I’m sure a lot of boys would be happy to take a little pay cut to keep the team going for next season and the future,” said North speaking on the S4C progamme “Rygbi Cymru a COVID-19”

“We’re just preparing for, hopefully, next season.”

North has played 95 Tests for Wales and an additional three for the British and Irish Lions and has scored 42 tries. He also featured for Llandovery, Scarlets and Northampton Saints before returning to the Welsh province in 2018 when he signed a deal with Ospreys.