Frustrated George North welcomes time away

Wales wing George North says it will be "nice to step away from Northampton" as he prepares for the Six Nations.

Warren Gatland's men kick-off their campaign against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday - a match 55-times capped North is expected to start.

The 23-year-old concedes he has felt frustrated in England's Premiership this season and hopes to be able to be able to play his own game with his country.

"For me it would be nice to step away from Northampton now, get a different stimulus," said North.

"Wales want to play a quick game and an open game and that suits me down to the ground.

"I want to be on the wing, I want to have that space to run at people and have the opportunity, rather than carrying straight into a [defensive] wall.

"Sometimes you need to be that guy, which I don't mind doing, but when you've got the opportunity to have 50 metres of space and you can open the taps, there's nothing better in the world than doing that."

North, who has scored just three tries for Northampton this season, added: "It's difficult, because the way we're playing at the club isn't really helping my game.

"I prefer a bit more of an open game, a bit more broken play and freedom."