Gatland wants North in cotton wool

 

The powerful wing has suffered a series of head injuries in recent times, and Gatland is concerned that another knock in the coming weeks could cost him a valuable strike weapon at the global showpiece this year.

 

North was concussed in the Test against New Zealand in November, twice against England in a Six Nations game in February and then again for his Premiership club Northampton Saints six weeks ago.

 

He is yet to take the field again after the most recent knock under advice from a neurologist, and Gatland said that he would far prefer it if the prolific try-scorer did not play any more rugby at all before the World Cup.

 

"I had a meeting with George's agent and said if I was being purely selfish I would say; 'George, don't play in the last few games; get yourself right for the World Cup," Gatland told the Sunday Times.

 

"Because if he gets another knock he's going to have to be out for six months or a year," he added.

 

North has scored 22 tries in 47 Tests and is still only 23 years old, but Gatland is clearly concerned that his career will be cut short.

 

"He has been out for a considerable amount of time but he's such a young player that if he picks up two or three more of those in the next year that's going to finish his career, isn't it?

 

"That is a concern, but I can understand Northampton being desperate to get him back playing, particularly as they get to the end of the season," he said.

 

North is expected to return for Northampton as they make a bid for the Premiership title in the coming weeks.