British & Irish Lions wing George North could be given the chance to face Australia for Wales this autumn as Northampton say they may be prepared to release him for the clash on November 30.
North frequently tormented Australia in the Lions series this summer, scoring four tries in total on tour, but as the match against the Qantas Wallabies falls outside of the IRB international window, Northampton have the right to deny any Welsh request to release him.
Saints coach Jim Mallinder, however, remains open-minded about letting his star summer signing play in the clash.
Mallinder also plans to rest North before the other autumn tests against South Africa, Argentina and Tonga.
“We don’t just want him to play well for Saints, we want him to play well for Wales. We’ve told him we don’t want to hinder his international play,” said Mallinder.
“When it comes to the Australia game the club and George will be having that discussion. It will be our choice. But we will just decide what’s best for him.”
