North hails ‘awesome’ Saints fans for helping him to settle in Northampton

The Wales wing upped excitement levels among the town’s rugby fans when he moved to Saints from Scarlets during the summer.

He has gone on to score two tries in nine appearances as well as showing his ability to assist scores in crucial wins in the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup.

The 21-year-old has also enjoyed a stint with Wales during that time and says he is still becoming acquainted with life at his new club.

“It’s an ongoing thing,” said North. “It doesn’t happen overnight.

“Going away with Wales doesn’t really help the settling in process, but from minute one the squad has been amazing with me.

“I’ve naturally had plenty of stick about being the only Welshman here, about being big time, a few other things along those lines but if I wasn’t getting that I’d be worried.

“That’s the benefit of having a good squad here.

“We’ve got a lot of young boys my age as well, which helps when you’re trying to relax because you’ve got a lot of things to do.

“It’s good to have the older boys here as well and the coaching staff have been great.

“The fans have been awesome. The support we’ve had since I’ve been here has been immense.

“And just Northampton, I’ve had people asking me how I am when I’m walking around Sainsbury’s, which is nice.”

North, who was in superb form as Saints beat Leinster last weekend, will now aim to get a run of club games under his belt.

He admits he is still learning about life at Northampton and is doing his best to realise his potential.

“I’ve found it tough coming to a new club with a new way of playing but for me it will take a bit of time to get into it,” he said.

“Week by week I’m gaining more information and knowledge about how we play here and how I can be more effective for the team.

“For me it’s a case of just making sure I know my roles all the time and making sure I can be as effective as I can when called upon.”