North says Saints aren’t panicking

Editor

George North has stated that Northampton Saints won't be tearing up their plans after missing out on the Premiership Final.

The 2014 champions were beaten by eventual winners Saracens in a home semi-final, meaning they were unable to defend their title at Twickenham.

Northampton's squad is set to have a different feel to it next season with the departures of Samu Manoa and Salesi Ma'afu, but North is confident that Saints have the talent to bounce back.

"There were plenty of positives from last season even though we obviously didn't make the final," North told Premiership Rugby.

"It was the first time in the club's history we had finished top of the league. There were highs and lows but looking at results, I don't think we need to change that much for next season.

"We were not that far off. We had a few big injuries in the semi-final against Saracens, they found their rhythm and ground out the game.

"We've got a few people leaving, Samu leaves some very big shoes to fill, especially with his physicality. But we have some good players here already who can step up, people like Jon Fisher and Sam Dickinson, Michael Paterson is coming in from Sale.

"We've strengthened our team and the core is already here, so it is looking good for next season."