Northampton Saints wing George North remains intent on playing for Wales at every opportunity despite recent £60,000 fine

Saints were punished by Premiership Rugby for releasing North for international duty outside of the agreed windows

Northampton Saints wing George North remains intent on playing for Wales whenever possible despite recent £60,000 fine (GETTY IMAGES)

George North intends to continue playing in every Test he can for Wales despite his appearance against Australia last month landing his club Northampton with a £60,000 fine.

Northampton were handed the hefty punishment from Premiership Rugby on Wednesday after allowing North to feature in Wales' 30-26 defeat to the Wallabies on November 30 - an appearance that took place outside the International Rugby Board's international window.

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

However, wing North ensured he would be available for all Wales fixtures when he negotiated his move from the Scarlets to Franklin's Gardens in the summer, and the 21-year-old is determined to represent his country at every opportunity.

He said in several national newspapers before the Premiership Rugby decision was released: "Whenever I get the chance to pull the jersey on it is a massive honour and if they say, 'George, we want you to play', then obviously I'm going to play.

"Thank goodness the Saints are so understanding with me and allow me to pursue my international career.

"I have the utmost respect for the club and I back them 100 per cent for giving me this opportunity to pursue my Welsh career but also to play top rugby week to week.

"I came to the club because I wanted to improve myself as a player and I've enjoyed every second of it."

PA