GEORGE North has been "disciplined internally" by Northampton after missing a training session ahead of an Avivia Premiership clash at the start of the month, but the Wales wing will see out the season with the Saints.

Saints boss Alan Gaffney suggested after the home defeat to Sale that the 25-year-old, who is heading home on a national dual contract at the end of the campaign, had not wanted to play for the club.

"We picked the side that actually wanted to be out on the pitch and the best side for Northampton,” Gaffney said at the time. "I haven't spoken to George personally about it, but I'm just disappointed he wasn't here."

North went on to score a brace against Italy in the Six Nations the following weekend and started again in Saturday's championship finale against France. He returned to the East Midlands this week and held talks with the Franklin's Gardens hierarchy.

It had been suggested that North could make an early return to Wales but Northampton will keep the winger for their run-in, even though they are not in the mix for the play-offs or Champions Cup qualification.

Northampton said in a statement: "Following a meeting with the club on Monday, George North accepted responsibility for missing a training session ahead of Saints' Aviva Premiership clash with Sale Sharks earlier this month, and has been disciplined internally.

"North, who returned to training on Monday, will be available for selection for Saints' five remaining matches this season, starting with this weekend's clash against Newcastle Falcons."

Chief executive Mark Darbon said: "George, Alan Gaffney, (attack coach) Alan Dickens and myself had a set of constructive meetings on his return to the club.

"George accepts the disciplinary action we have taken. George has enormous affection for this club and its supporters, and is fully committed to helping the club finish the season as strongly as possible."