George North disciplined by Northampton Saints but will not leave the club before the end of the season

George North has been disciplined internally by Northampton Saints but will see out the rest of the season with the club.

North missed a training session ahead of the club’s Aviva Premiership game against Sale Sharks and was subsequently was left of the fixture on March 3, which Northampton went on to lose 25-34.

His absence prompted interim director of rugby Alan Gaffney to lash out at the Wales wing, questioning his commitment to the club.

"We picked the side that actually wanted to be out on the pitch and the best side for Northampton,” Gaffney said at the time. "I haven't spoken to George personally about it, but I'm just disappointed he wasn't here."

The fallout prompted speculation that North could quit Franklin’s Gardens for a return to Wales sooner than planned, with Northampton having confirmed back in November that North would leave the club at the end of the season. 

“The message I have said to George is if he wants to come home quicker than next season, we will look after him,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland in the days after the incident.

Sources close to North suggested that the 25 year-old had a gentleman’s agreement in place with former Northampton boss Jim Mallinder that allowed him to not play for the club on Six Nations rest weekends, which was later denied by head coach Alan Dickens.

North is now available for Northampton final five games of the Premiership season, starting with this Saturday’s fixture away at 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.

"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.”