Wales' George North returns for Northampton after being 'disciplined internally' for skipping training

Sport360 staff 00:31 24/03/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • North was suspended for missing a training session earlier this month.

    Wales wing George North will return to domestic action when he lines up for Northampton against Newcastle on Saturday.

    Saints announced on Tuesday that North had been “disciplined internally” after missing a training session ahead of an Aviva Premiership appointment with Sale Sharks on March 3.

    He was absent from the Sale match, after which Saints’ interim boss Alan Gaffney suggested the 25-year-old had not wanted to play for the club.

    North, who started Wales’ last two NatWest 6 Nations games against Italy and France, returned to club training on Monday.

    North’s contract at Northampton expires at the end of this season, and he will join one of the four Welsh regional teams in the summer on a national dual contract.

    Northampton have five league games left, starting at St James’ Park this weekend, with 73 times-capped North among five changes in the starting XV.

    England captain Dylan Hartley, meanwhile, does not feature, with Saints saying he is sidelined through illness after returning from international duty.

    Northampton have also announced that fly-half Stephen Myler will leave the club at the end of this season.

    Goalkicker Myler, 33, joined Saints in 2006 after switching codes from Rugby league. He won a 15-a-side England cap against Argentina seven years later.

    He has made more than 300 first-team appearances for Saints, and was instrumental in the club winning domestic and European honours in 2014. He has amassed more than 1,600 Premiership points.

    “I am extremely proud to have spent almost 12 seasons at Franklin’s Gardens, and I hope I’ve been able to repay the club for the opportunity they gave me and the faith they showed in me by playing as many games as I have,” Myler said, in a statement released by the club.

    “I will leave with memories that will stay with me forever, having played and enjoyed success in many key games in the club’s history.

    “But the time has come for me to move on. I am grateful for what has been, but I’m ready and looking forward to what my future holds.”

    Recommended