Staying.

Following a meeting with the club on Monday, Northampton say George North accepted responsibility for missing a training session ahead of their 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.

“George, Alan Gaffney, Alan Dickens and myself had a set of constructive meetings on his return to the club on Monday,” said Saints’ Chief Executive Mark Darbon.

“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 Aviva Premiership season as strongly as possible.

“We now consider this matter resolved and won’t be commenting further.”

North has already signed a deal with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to return home at the end of the season, but had been linked with an early exit this month.