Nothampton Saints lock Tom Wood doubts Nathan Hughes kick was deliberate

Northampton Saints forward Tom Wood has defended Wasps player Nathan Hughes, who was sent off for kicking Saints winger George North.

North was struck in the head by Hughes shortly before half time, but Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder has confirmed that the Welshman is conscious.

Wood told BT Sport: "From where I was stood it didn't look malicious but at the end of the day you've got to be in control of your legs. You can't be swinging them around near people's heads."

North scored two tries in the Saints' 52-30 win.