Health must be put first

WARREN Gatland believes George North must put his long-term health before chasing a quick return to rugby, as investigations into his latest concussion scare continue.

British and Irish Lions boss Gatland i nsisted Wales wing North will not be under any pressure for a quick playing return, after appearing t o be knocked out during Northampton’s Premiership defeat at Leicester on Saturday.

Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) are i nvestigating why North was allowed to return to the match following a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).

Northampton have stood North down pending further neurological tests, but insist the 24-year-old did not fall unconscious.

“I promise you there will be no pressure from me in terms of getting him on the field quickly,” said Wales and Lions boss Gatland.

“His health is the most important thing, not just in the short term but long term — there’s quite a bit of evidence to show that there are potentially longterm effects for people who have taken a number of knocks in contact sport.

“He needs to show that he is 100 per cent right. Rugby is secondary, his health is the most important thing.”

North was out of action for five months after suffering four blows to the head in five months between November 2014 and March 2015.

The Lions wing fell heavily after a challenge from Leicester wing Adam Thompstone i n N o r t h a m p t o n ’s 1 9 - 1 1 Premiership defeat at Welford Road on Saturday.

George North