Tuesday 16 December 2014 17:18, UK
George North says Wales' overseas-based stars are "relieved" by the new dual-contract system that gives them an option to return to play closer to home.
The Northampton wing hailed Welsh union and regional bosses for finally agreeing a "feasible option" that will boost the chances of top stars remaining in the domestic game.
Wales and British and Irish Lions flanker Dan Lydiate was the first to capitalise on the new central ontracts, completing his move back to the Ospreys in Swansea last week after forcing an early release from his contract at Paris club Racing Metro.
North stressed his own situation at Northampton suits him "down to the ground" but believes more top stars could follow Lydiate's example.
"Yeah, massively, the feeling is that people are relieved all around about the dual contracts, I would say," said North.
"It's good to know there's finally actually a feasible option for the boys to come back, if that's what they need.
"There was such uncertainty but now there is that option to come home, you can get the support of the regions and the union and they are working together rather than against each other.
"So that will benefit the regions and the union as well."
It's good to know there's finally actually a feasible option for the boys to come back.
Bosses from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) have ended years of in-fighting to increase their bargaining power by setting up the new dual-contract system.
The new set-up opens the door for the likes of centre Jamie Roberts to return to the Welsh regions, while North and Leicester fly-half Owen Williams will stay put in the Aviva Premiership.
"I think it's going the right way, definitely," said Wales and Lions wing North.
"At the moment it's still in its early days of being organised.
"It's still in its infancy, but the more people that want it and take it up, the quicker it will get up to speed and everything will settle down.
"I still think it's not quite where it needs to be, but that's because it's all starting afresh and progressing.
"It's a good step in the right direction towards giving the union and the regions the chance of being competitive, in terms of deals."
North claimed a score but picked up a minor leg knock on his return after concussion as Northampton thumped Treviso 67-0 in European Champions Cup action last weekend.
The 22-year-old is now aiming for a return to Premiership action when the Saints host East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.
Northampton release North for all his Wales commitments, a situation he admits allows him to gain the best of both worlds.
"I'm so happy to be at Northampton. They look after me personally, know the demands I'm under and we work together really well," continued North.
"Myself, the club and the union have a very good understanding of where each other are, where we need to go and together it's formed one of the best relationships I've ever worked in from a rugby point of view.
"For me the situation I'm in suits me down to the ground: I'm getting top-level rugby in Europe and the Premiership, then I'm also able to play for my country if I'm selected."
