NORTH ‘UNHAPPY AT GAFFNEY OUTBURST’
GEORGE North is unhappy at being made to feel like ‘public enemy number one’ by Northampton Saints interim boss Alan Gaffney.
So say sources close to the Wales wing after the outburst which saw Gaffney suggest North hadn’t wanted to play for the east Midlanders in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership match with Sale Sharks.
The 25-year-old had been released by Wales but didn’t feature in the 34-25 home loss.
Some of Northampton’s management are said to be furious with North, but the player isn’t exactly delighted at the way he has been portrayed by Gaffney, believing he has been hung out to dry. A source said: “George feels like he has been made public enemy number one.
“He is unhappy because he has given a huge amount to Northampton during the time he has been there and has a great relationship with the fans and his team-mates. Gaffney’s comments are out of order.”
It is understood a gentleman’s agreement had been in place between North and Saints’ previous head coach, Jim Mallinder, which meant the former Scarlet didn’t have to play on Six Nations rest weekends.
But Gaffney was evidently unaware of the pact or didn’t honour it before ripping in to the player amid talk of a lack of communication on all sides.
“It’s a very difficult question to answer and it’s probably best to ask George,” said Gaffney when questioned about North’s absence after the game with Sale.
“We picked a side that actually wanted to be out on the pitch and picked the best side for the game. I haven’t spoken to George personally. I’m just disappointed he wasn’t here.”
There are suggestions Gaffney is under pressure and so lashed out to divert the heat, with North a convenient target ahead of his return to Wales on a national dual contract in the summer.
Certainly, calm appeared in short supply as Gaffney lambasted his own players as “abysmal and pathetic” after the latest setback.
The Welsh Rugby Union, North’s agent and Northampton haven’t commented publicly on the matter since Gaffney’s attack.
North has been at Franklin’s Gardens since 2013, with his first deal allowing him full release for Wales duties. Wales face Italy at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, with North likely to be involved after coming off the bench in the losses against England and Ireland.