George North to make along awaited return to rugby

Wales star George North is set to make his comeback on Saturday after a year out of rugby. North has been named among the replacements for Ospreys’ United Rugby Championship clash against the Scarlets in Swansea.

The 30-year-old back has not played since suffering knee ligament damage last April.

North’s injury ruled him out of contention for the British and Irish Lions’ 2021 South Africa tour, and his last Wales appearance was 13 months ago.

We are joined by Springbok rugby royalty with very special guest Siya Kolisi | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 31

We are joined by Springbok rugby royalty with very special guest Siya Kolisi | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 31

The Ospreys have three league games left this season, while Wales face a three-Test series against South Africa in July, with matches in Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town.

“This is the West Wales Derby and we haven’t played the Scarlets at home in Swansea since I have been coach. It will be good to do that and to do that with a crowd will be great,” said Toby Booth, Ospreys Head coach. “We know how important this game is to supporters and people associated with the club and it’s the same for the Scarlets.

“All derbies are significant but we know for a lot of people this derby is even more significant. It’s also a reflection on the progress we are making as a team.”

OSPREYS TEAM:
15. Mat Protheroe
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. Michael Collins
12. Owen Watkin
11. Keelan Giles
10. Gareth Anscombe
9. Rhys Webb
1.Gareth Thomas
2. Dewi Lake
3. Tomas Francis
4. Adam Beard
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Will Griffiths
7. Jac Morgan
8. Morgan Morris

REPLACEMENTS:
16. Sam Parry
17. Nicky Smith
18. Tom Botha
19. Rhys Davies
20. Ethan Roots
21. Reuben Morgan Williams
22. Stephen Myler
23. George North