Northampton cop North fine
NORTHAMPTON have been fined £60,000 for releasing wing George North to play in Wales’s 30-26 defeat to Australia last month.
Premiership Rugby rules forbid clubs from allowing non-English players to take part in Test matches outside the International Rugby Board’s designated window.
Saints have admitted the breach and will not appeal the fine. They have previously cited an agreement with North, made when he signed earlier this year, that he would be allowed to represent Wales when selected.
The issue could reoccur next year, as Wales have again scheduled a fourth autumn international, against South Africa, which is due to take place after the IRB’s cut-off date.