North pulls out of comeback game for Northampton Saints' at last minute

Wales star George North has pulled out of his comeback match on the eve of the Six Nations.

In a potential hammer blow for Wales, Northampton Saints announced that North would be replaced in today's line-up by Tom Collins.

North sustained an injury to his knee during Saints’ defeat to Harlequins at Twickenham Stadium at the start of the year, an injury which he was set to come back from today.

However, he has now been removed, suggesting that the giant winger is not yet ready to return to rugby.

The Franklin’s Gardens outfit can put one foot in the knockout stages of the competition with victory at the AJ Bell Stadium, heading into the fixture top of Pool 3 with Saracens, Worcester Warriors and Scarlets all trailing them.

Saints were edged out 18-15 on their last visit to Sale back in November, but Northampton have beaten the Sharks in three of their last four meetings.