North punished by Northampton over missed training session

Following a meeting with Northampton on Monday, Wales winger 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.

North, who returned to training on Monday, will be available for selection for Saints’ five remaining matches this season, starting with this weekend’s clash against Newcastle Falcons.

“George, Alan Gaffney, Alan Dickens and myself had a set of constructive meetings on his return to the club on Monday,” said Saints’ Chief Executive Mark Darbon said in a statement released by the club.

“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.”

Wales head coach Warren Gatland defends George North