In his final year at the club, Welsh international George North risks leaving a sour taste at Northampton. He didn't feature for the Saints during today's 34-25 defeat to Sale in the Aviva Premiership, much to the annoyance of his head coach, Alan Gaffney.
What with this being a weekend devoid of Six Nations fixtures, players were meant to be available to play for their clubs. North, who came off the bench for Wales against Ireland last weekend was among those expected to dash out of international camp for some club action.
That didn't transpire, however, as Gaffney elucidated after the game.
When asked about North's absence, Gaffney hinted that his winger had gone AWOL, and didn't want to play.
It's a pretty good question and it's a very difficult one to answer at this moment in time.
You'd probably have to ask George.
We picked the side that actually wanted to be out on the pitch and the best side for Northampton.
I haven't spoken to George personally about it, but I'm just disappointed he wasn't here.
North has yet to respond to Gaffney's comments.
Today's defeat chimes with a wretched season for the Saints. They lie 10th in the Aviva Premiership table, with just six wins all season.
[Northampton Chronicle]
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