Wales
Wales unsure when George North will be fully fit
ESPN Staff
June 2, 2015
George North
George North© Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Wales are unsure exactly when George North will return from his time on the sidelines as he completes the necessary return-to-play protocols from concussion.

North last played on March 27 and speaking at an event on Monday he said of his current wellbeing: "I'm feeling fit and well now, and looking forward to what's ahead." But he is still going through the mandatory protocols as he continues his recovery from the bang to the head he sustained in late March.

He was stood down by neurologists following the blow and is not yet back in full contact training but he was included in the 47-man training squad for the World Cup. Assistant coach Rob Howley is unsure when North will return to full contact training and he may miss part of the World Cup warm-ups.

"We have been in constant discussions with George and player welfare has been at the top of our agenda," Howley said. "He has passed the running protocols but has got to pass the contact stage of them.

"It's different for each individual when that takes place. Whether it will be the middle or end of July for George will be guided by him and our medical team. Again, whether he will sit out pre-World Cup matches will be guided by George and the medical team. He's fine in terms of his running - there no ill-effects at all.

"What we don't know is if contact will bring back the signs of concussion. The first contact work the squad will do will be done against pads. There won't be any bone on bone until we go to Doha in Qatar."

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