George North didn't want to play against Sale today - reports

Northampton Saints technical consultant Alan Gaffney has sensationally suggested that George North did not want to play for Northampton Saints in their loss to Sale today.

Saints lost 34-25 to Sale at home, and North did not play.

Gaffney told BBC Radio Northampton: "I'm just disappointed he wasn't here."

Asked if North did not want to play, Gaffney said: "That's a very difficult question to answer for me. I haven't spoken to George personally.

"In one sense it's probably best to ask George. We picked a side that actually wanted to be out on the pitch and picked the best side for the game for Northampton."

"That's a very difficult question to answer for me. I haven't spoken to George personally.

"In one sense it's probably best to ask George. We picked a side that actually wanted to be out on the pitch and picked the best side for the game for Northampton."

To add to the intrigue, one Tweeter claimed they spotted North and Scarlets coach Pivac meeting in a pub, suggesting North may be destined to re-sign with the Welsh side.