Northampton Saints coach Alan Gaffney has hinted that Welsh international George North did not want to play in their defeat by Sale this weekend, BBC report.
North, 25, is part of Wales’ Six Nations squad, however, is allowed to play for the Saints when their is no Six Nations action.
When asked if North did not want to be a part of the squad in their 34-25 defeat, technical coach Gaffney said:
That’s a very difficult question to answer for me. I haven’t spoken to George personally. I’m just disappointed he wasn’t here. In one sense it’s probably best to ask George. We picked a side that actually wanted to be out on the pitch and picked the best side for the game for Northampton.
The Welsh Rugby Union made an agreement with the Welsh regions over which players are released during Wales’ rest weekends, with no such agreement made with the English Premiership clubs, meaning North was available to play.
North has played in two Six Nations games for his country, which have been the losses to England and Ireland, after missing Wales’ opening win against Scotland.
North, who joined the Saints from Welsh region Scarlets in 2013, will return to Wales from next season after signing a National Dual Contract.
