Northampton fined over George North’s Wales appearance
Northampton Saints are fined £60,000 for allowing George North to play for Wales outside Premiership window
Northampton Saints have been handed a £60,000 fine by a Premiership Rugby disciplinary panel for permitting George North play for Wales against Australia on 30 November.
Warren Gatland’s men succumbed to a 30-26 loss to the Wallabies at the Millennium Stadium in the Test, which fell outside the International Rugby Board’s window.
And according to Premiership rules, only players representing Stuart Lancaster’s England can be released for matches which fall outside the usual international dates.
Saints, who appeared before a panel on Wednesday, have accepted the punishment and will not appeal.
A Premiership Rugby statement read: “Northampton Saints admitted the breach with respect to the Board policy through the release of George North beyond the requirements set out in IRB Regulation 9.
“The Designated Panel, comprising three Board members appointed under the terms of the Code, decided that Northampton Saints will be fined £60,000.
“Northampton Saints have decided not to appeal against the sanction.
“There will be no further comment from Premiership Rugby or Northampton Saints.”
