George North ‘fit and well’ for World Cup after head injury

George North has declared himself "fit and well" for Wales' Rugby World Cup campaign.

Wales’ line-busting wing has not played since suffering a heavy concussion in action for Northampton against Wasps on March 27.

North was stood down by neurologists following the accidental knockout blow to the head from Wasps' Nathan Hughes in Northampton's 52-30 victory at Franklin's Gardens.

The 23-year-old was named in Warren Gatland’s World Cup training squad on Monday, and has confirmed he is ready to throw himself fully into preparations for the autumn tournament.

“I’m okay thanks; it’s been a bit of a long road,” said North, speaking at a Dove Men event at Twickenham.

“I’m feeling fit and well now, and looking forward to what’s ahead.

“It’s a lot better, it took a bit longer than I was hoping initially but at the end of the day you’ve only got one head and to rush it would be silly, you’ve got to look after it.”

North missed Northampton’s Aviva Premiership semi-final defeat to Saracens, despite being in contention for a return.

Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder accused Wales boss Warren Gatland of playing "mind games" after warning one more concussion could threaten North's career.

Saints coach Dorian West later said North was continuing his graded recovery ahead of the Premiership semi-finals, but the 49-cap Wales star still missed that Saracens showdown.

West said of North ahead of that semi-final “he’ll be right when he’s right” as the east Midlands club refused to rush his return to action.

Now though, the three-cap British and Irish Lions star looks primed to take a full part in Wales’ pre-tournament preparations.

“Northampton and Wales were both brilliant with me, making sure I got the right care and making sure I was getting the right treatment,” said North.

“There just wasn’t enough time to play the (Premiership) semis really.”