Northampton fined for releasing North for Wales vs Australia

[jargan83]

George North's appearance for Wales outside the IRB's window has cost his team heavily in fines.

George North's appearance for Wales against Australia outside the International Rugby Board's international window has cost his club Northampton a hefty STG60,000 ($A110,300) fine from Premiership Rugby.

The Saints allowed North to feature in Wales' 30-26 defeat at the hands of Australia on November 30, which came after the end of the IRB autumn Test period.

Premiership clubs have an agreement that only England players can be released for matches or training camps outside the IRB window.

But wing North, 21, ensured he would be available for all Wales fixtures when he negotiated his move from the Scarlets to Franklin's Gardens in the summer.

Saints appeared before a three-man panel of club chief executives on Wednesday, and were handed the fine after admitting a breach of Premiership Rugby Board policy.

"The Designated Panel, comprising three Board members appointed under the terms of the Code, decided that Northampton Saints will be fined STG60,000," a Premiership Rugby statement read.

"Northampton Saints have decided not to appeal against the sanction."

The punishment is more severe than had been expected and could be seen as a deterrent to clubs taking similar action in the future.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...ie-costs-club/

What a load of rubbish. Taking a page out of EPL clubs who wont release players for international duty outside of FIFA dates

[chibi]

Great direction the game's heading in now...