George North out until end of April after latest concussion

George North has been advised not to play again until the end of April after suffering his fourth head injury in the last five months during the Premiership win over Wasps last Friday.

The Wales wing saw a neurologist on Wednesday, who has recommended that he takes a break from all rugby until the before being reassessed at the end of the month.

“North will continue to be monitored by the Saints’ medical team in the intervening period,” read a statement on Northampton’s website.

“He will not participate in on-field training, but will continue to contribute in other areas and maintain his work with the club’s performance department.

Northampton's director of rugby Jim Mallinder added: "We have listened to the advice we sought and George will be taking some time away from the field.

“Throughout this process it is important that George’s welfare comes first and that he is treated patiently and calmly, only returning to action when all of the medical team are happy for him to do so.”

Meanwhile, Wasps will appeal against the three-week ban issued to Nathan Hughes, but their protest will not enable the back row to play in Sunday's Champions Cup quarter-final against Toulon.

The club have said in a statement they will appeal on the grounds the incident that left North unconscious and resulted in a red card for Hughes was an accident and no foul play had occurred.

With the hearing scheduled to be heard next Friday, it means Hughes can not be reprieved in time to face the reigning European champions in Toulon this weekend.

Hughes was given the suspension - to include three meaningful fixtures - after being found guilty of striking North in the 52-30 Aviva Premiership defeat at Franklin’s Gardens on 27th March.

Commenting on the judgement made on Tuesday night, disciplinary officer James Dingemans said: “This was a three week ban on the basis that no intention was found.

“However, there was recklessness meaning that, notwithstanding the harm, it was a low entry point of four weeks with mitigation of one week to reflect his previous clean playing record.”

Guardian Services