Saints downplay George North injury fears

Northampton say it was a “precautionary measure” to withdraw George North from their Anglo-Welsh Cup match against Sale Sharks on Saturday.

The 25-year-old wing was set to make his first start since sustaining a knee injury late last year. North is keen to prove his fitness ahead of Wales’ Six Nations campaign.

But he pulled out of Northampton’s run-on side ahead of their 24-20 win over Sale at the AJ Bell Stadium with Saints’ acting head coach Alan Dickens saying it was  precautionary.

“George North pulled out just before kick-off,” said Dickens.

“He was just tight so it was a precautionary measure to hold him back.

“He’s probably had a tough week training with Wales. It was unfortunate, a last-minute withdrawal so not ideal.”

Reports say North was out on the pitch ahead before the match started.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland will name his squad to face Scotland in their Six Nations opener on Tuesday.