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Fresh concerns for North's future after his latest concussion
The sight of George North splayed on the floor after a knock to the head is one that Welsh fans – and those all around the world – have grown all too familiar with.
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The 27-year-old came off the field in the eleventh minute against France on Saturday after clashing with Gael Fickou in the air, raising fresh concerns about his well-being.
North has a long history with head injuries, and this latest concussion means he has suffered at least one a year since 2015 when he had a sustained spell on the sidelines with Northampton Saints because of it.
While this latest injury may prove problematic for Wales in the immediate future with a visit to Twickenham on March 7, there are greater worries surrounding the two-time British and Irish Lions tourist.
I know this is controversial but I’m just gonna say it: I don’t want to see George North play rugby again. It’s actually terrifying to see him out cold and wonder if this is the time that he doesn’t get up. He’s been beyond amazing, but enough is enough #WALvFRA
— Helen Turner (@hellturn) February 22, 2020
Rugby is just a game. The important thing today is the long term health and welfare of @George_North I wish him a full and speedy recovery
— Dave Newton ??????????? (@KipperBedwas) February 22, 2020
There are those that would like to see North retire after this latest incident, while many are questioning his future and are sure that is what North will be doing himself.
I bet George North is sitting on the bench thinking is this it for me, the poor bloke has seen more star’s than Roger Rabbit. Future mental health (CTE) is scary and the @WelshRugbyUnion should be helping him with the next stage of his career #WALvFRA
— Morgan (@Mogzy_8) February 22, 2020
When will George North be allowed to make the sensible decision about his career. He’s had more head injuries than I’ve had got dinners, yet we are worrying about kids heading a football! Same goes for Jonny sexton of Ireland #walvsfra
— Malcolm Macleod (@MalcolmMacleo19) February 22, 2020
In this current climate, trolling and abuse on social media are a topic of discussion, but there is nothing malicious in this circumstance, as these are genuine concerns about the winger’s welfare.
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This is not something that is strictly from Welsh fans either, as no supporter – regardless of nationality – would want to see a player struggle the way North has at times.
Horrible to see! Hope George North makes the right decision regarding his future! Such a good player but only so many concussions you can take! https://t.co/xPdLa6ATii
— Rhodri Clark (@rhodriclark) February 23, 2020
@George_North you are and will always be a Welsh great. You have to think of life over rugby. Please don’t risk your health for a game. Speedy recovery. ??
— Wreckit (@jameselton) February 23, 2020
The Ospreys star will feel that he has so much to give to the red jersey of Wales in the future. With 97 Test caps – 94 for Wales – North is tantalisingly close to making his century and at only the age of 27, he will feel that he has many years ahead of him.
With 40 tries for Wales, he is still 18 behind Shane Williams, but that target will be in his sights as well.
As an Englishman huge respect for everything @George_North has achieved in his career but maybe it’s time to call it a day. One to many concussions and discover life after rugby before permanent damage is done.
— Ross Hunt (@DJRossHunt) February 22, 2020
I don't know a huge amount about concussion, but seeing George North knocked out for a few seconds AGAIN today was horrible scary to see! He has been amazing for Wales over the last 10 years, but his health and wellbeing has to come first surely? ? #WALvFRA #georgenorth pic.twitter.com/ZJzNjJCIYP
— Steffan Anderson-Thomas (@SteffTheRef) February 22, 2020
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However, there are factors that are out of his control, and with every concussion, the calls for retirement will grow.
He will likely see specialists over the coming days to assess what happens next, and whether that means another extended break away from the game, the rugby world will want what is best for him.
WATCH: RugbyPass takes an unflinching look at the reality of concussion in rugby
Comments on RugbyPass
pure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
1 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
11 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
3 Go to comments