Saints punish no-show North
GEORGE NORTH is set to stay at Northampton for the rest of the season despite being rapped on the knuckles by the club for missing training. The Wales wing went AWOL ahead of the Saints’ 34-25 league defeat by Sale on March 3 and stand-in boss Alan Gaffney hinted North had not wanted to play. The 25-year-old was said to be furious he had been hung out to dry by Gaffney but has been disciplined internally for his absence.
The club refused to reveal the exact punishment but North is available for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle.
North’s troubles prompted Wales head coach Warren Gatland to say if he wanted to return to a Welsh region immediately, he would be accommodated. As it is, North is heading back home next season although his destination is unclear and it is understood Northampton have had no enquiries about any imminent move.
Northampton assistant coach Alan Dickens said: “The conversation was pretty honest. I’ve got no doubt that George is committed and will give 100 per cent for the club for the remaining five games of the season.”
Meanwhile, No 8 Billy Vunipola is struggling to be fit for Saracens’ Champions Cup quarter-final Leinster on April 1.
He missed the Six Nations with a broken arm and had been eyeing the European clash for his comeback.
Vunipola also missed the Lions tour with a shoulder injury and the autumn Tests with knee trouble.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: “Billy is in a race against time to be ready. We’ll make a call on what the surgeon says. If the arm isn’t right to play, then we won’t risk him.” against