Former All-black Mika dies in Auckland, aged 45

Northampton wing George North has been “disciplined internally” after missing a training session – but he will see out the season with the club.

North was absent for the Aviva Premiership home defeat by Sale on 3 March and afterwards Saints boss Alan Gaffney suggested that the 25-year-old Wales international had not wanted to play for the club.

The incident prompted speculation that North, whose contract expires at the end of the season, could quit Franklin’s Gardens

0 George North: Absent. sooner than planned.but North, who returned to club training on Monday after Six Nations duty, will be available for selection for Saints’ five remaining matches, starting with this weekend’s clash against Newcastle Falcons.

Northampton said in a statement yesterday afternoon: “Following a meeting with the club on Monday, 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.”

Chief executive Mark Darbon added: “George, Alan Gaffney, [attack coach] Alan Dickens and myself had a set of constructive meetings on his return to the club on Monday.

“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.”

North scored two tries in the Six Nations as Wales finished second behind Grand Slam winners Ireland. l Cardiff Blues have appointed Australian John Mulvihill as their new head coach on a three-year contract starting from next season.

Mulvihill has had spells as assistant and then interim head coach with Super Rugby franchise Western Force and most recently worked in Japan’s Top League. Former New Zealand international Dylan Mika has died suddenly at the age of 45.

Flanker Mika, who died at his Auckland home yesterday, played seven Tests for the All Blacks and was a member of their 1999 World Cup squad.

“It is with great sadness that the family of Dylan announce that he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Auckland,” his family said in a statement.

“Dylan was a very much loved husband to Tracy, father to their daughter Marley, and dearly loved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.”

Mika initially played international rugby for Samoa, before switching to New Zealand.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said: “Dylan is one of the rare talents, that represented both Samoa and New Zealand at a time when rugby had not long turned professional.

“He continued to have an active involvement in rugby both in Auckland and Samoa, and in particular, in his loyalty to the New Zealand Barbarians.

“Our thoughts are with Dylan’s family and friends.”