North set for lengthy lay-off

Editor

George North will face an extended period on the sidelines as he looks to recover from the latest in a series of concussions.

The Wales winger was knocked out cold in yesterday's clash between Northampton and Wasps, requiring lengthy treatment before coming off after Nathan Hughes collided with him.

The Wasps number eight was sent off for the incident, which came as North scored his second try of the evening.

Northampton revealed that North was conscious after the match, but he will see a specialist this week, having already been knocked out twice in a clash with England at the start of February

It seems certain that he will miss Saints' Champions Cup quarter-final against Clermont next week, and according to the Telegraph, he could be stood down for at least a month as he tries to get over the problem.

"After the game North was conscious and in the Saints' changing room with the rest of the team," Northampton said in a statement. 

"He has been into the club today (Saturday) for treatment and will continue to be monitored by the Saints' experienced medical team throughout the weekend.

"As with everyone in the squad, Northampton Saints places the highest importance on player welfare, and as such North will see a specialist early next week for an assessment."

Jonathan Sexton recently took three months out after he had experienced a number of concussions, while Mike Brown didn't play against Saracens after suffering concussion symptoms this week.