GEORGE NORTH’S bumpy exit from Northampton hit a new low as the club “disciplined” him for missing training.
Welsh international North, 25, was slapped on the wrist, but will see out the end of the season at the Premiership club before a likely return to rugby in Wales next term.
The incident set club and country on a collision course – with Wales coach Warren Gatland backing his man – after he was criticised by Saints coach Alan Gaffney.
A Northampton statement said: “Following a meeting with the club on Monday, George North accepted responsibility for missing a training session ahead of Saints’ Aviva Premiership clash with Sale Sharks earlier this month, and has been disciplined internally.”
The Wales and British and Irish Lions winger had an encouraging Six Nations campaign after a few years of an on-going injury and concussion nightmare.
He bagged two tries in their 38-14 win over Italy before having a quiet game in their close win over France on Saturday.
Gaffney had said he was “disappointed he wasn’t here,” after Saints’ 34-25 defeat to Sale, just a week after Wales’ 37-27 loss in Dublin to eventual Grand Slam winners Ireland.
Chief executive Mark Darbon added: “George, Alan Gaffney, (attack coach) Alan Dickens and myself had a set of constructive meetings on his return to the club on Monday.
“George accepts the disciplinary action we have taken.
“George has enormous affection for this club and its supporters, and is fully committed to helping the club finish the Aviva Premiership season as strongly as possible.
MOST READ IN SPORT
“We now consider this matter resolved and won’t be commenting further.”
The WRU have an agreement with their regions, but not with Premiership sides regarding resting players during international periods.
UGO MONYE Eddie Jones is going through a rocky patch but IS the man to guide England to the 2019 World Cup
But Dragons supremo Gatland had previously thrown his weight behind star winger North, who is set for either a return to either Scarlets in Llanelli or the Dragons in Newport.
He said: “I have told George if he wants to come home quicker than [next season], we will look after him.
“If he is not comfortable in that environment, we will support him.
“I understand it from Northampton’s perspective: they are under pressure in trying to get things back on track.
“George has always talked positively about his time there and how great the club and fans have been.”
Leave a comment