Wales
Wales wing George North's speech was affected by concussion
ESPN Staff
August 21, 2015
George North receives treatment on the pitch after being knocked out
George North receives treatment on the pitch after being knocked out© Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Wales wing George North initially suffered from affected speech as a result of being concussed, his partner Becky James has told BBC Sport Wales.

North endured a nightmare five-month period last season, taking four separate blows to the head and has not played competitive rugby since March.

The Northampton Saints star came off concussed during Wales' Test against the All Blacks last November, before suffering two further blows to the head during the opening Six Nations clash against England in Cardiff in February.

On return to club duty in March, he was knocked unconscious while scoring a try for Saints against Wasps, before finally being told to rest by medical experts.

"It's quite stressful to think how he was affected after the concussions and how his speech was affected for the first few days," Welsh cycling star James told the BBC.

"It's been hard to see him not playing and going through concussion protocols."

James, who suffered a serious knee injury and has also had surgery on her shoulder, added: "It was more of a worry than my knee because it's your head at the end of the day and you only get one of them, but I could get my knee replaced if I need it one day.

"It's just crazy to think about the hits rugby boys have to go through."

North only recently returned to training with Wales, but could return to action for the World Cup warm-up clash against Ireland on August 29.

© ESPN Staff

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