After five months out of action, George North will make his first appearance against Ireland this weekend as Wales continue their build-up to the World Cup. The Northampton winger suffered three concussions last season. He hasn’t had any game time since he was knocked unconscious against Wasps on March 27.
“All I can say is that he’s followed all the medical protocols and done everything, and we were very conservative in the way we approached it. We made sure his welfare was paramount,” head coach Warren Gatland said. “I did express concerns recently that we have to make sure things are right, because if he does pick up one or two more serious knocks that could be the end of his career.”
Earlier this month, North successfully came through the Welsh squad training match. He is set to win his 50th cap on Saturday. Ahead of Monday’s final 31-man squad announcement, Gatland has selected a far stronger team than the one beaten 35-21 by Ireland in Cardiff three weeks ago.
Wales: L Halfpenny; A Cuthbert, S Williams, J Roberts, G North; D Biggar, R Webb; G Jenkins, K Owens, T Francis, B Davies, AW Jones (captain), D Lydiate, J Tipuric, T Faletau.
Replacements: S Baldwin, P James, A Jarvis (Ospreys), L Charteris, J King, G Davies, R Priestland, H Amos.
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