The Northampton wing George North has been “disciplined internally” after missing a training session – but he will see out the season with the club.
Warren Gatland says George North is welcome to ‘come home’ to Wales early
North was absent for the Premiership home defeat by Sale on 3 March and afterwards Saints’ coach Alan Gaffney suggested that the 25-year-old Wales international had not wanted to play for the club.
The incident prompted speculation that North, whose contract expires at the end of the season, could quit Franklin’s Gardens sooner than planned.
But North, who returned to club training on Monday after Six Nations duty, will be available for selection for Saints’ five remaining matches, starting with Saturday’s match against Newcastle Falcons.
Northampton said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon: “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.”
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.
“We now consider this matter resolved and won’t be commenting further.”
North scored two tries in the Six Nations as Wales finished second behind grand slam winners Ireland.