Aviva Premiership
George North ruled out of Northampton's play-off with Saracens
ESPN Staff
May 21, 2015
George North
George North© Tony Marshall/Getty Images

George North will miss Northampton's play-off semi-final clash with Saracens this weekend and may be ruled out of the Aviva Premiership final - if his side win on Saturday.

North has not played since he was knocked unconscious after clashing with Wasps' Nathan Hughes in March and Northampton head coach Dorian West said the Wales winger has yet to be declared fit by the club's medical staff.

"He's on that protocol thing, he's with the medical people and he'll be right when he's right," West told The Times. "It's been a while since he's played, so nothing changes for us on what we've done in the last month or so."

There have been concerns that any further head injuries could make North unavailable for the World Cup, and Wales coach Warren Gatland said he was "hugely worried" about the health of one of his star players, who also took heavy blows to the head in the Six Nations and autumn internationals.

Tom Wood, the England flanker and North's team-mate at Northampton, said: "He's going through it a bit, especially at this time of the year, when there's big games to play and you're not sure where you stand.

"I guess you feel good within yourself, physically he's big and strong and feels fit from the neck down.

"It must be difficult for George, if you have a decision to make, in terms of looking after your head for your long-term future and your career after rugby, but also with a World Cup coming around the corner, but you have to sacrifice Premiership finals and semi-finals to do it. It's a nightmare situation to be in.

"I just wish him the best of luck from a health point of view and hope he gets it right. I know we're not putting any pressure on him."

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