George North to take a month away from rugby after third concussion in eight weeks

A blow for the Saints, but the correct decision all-round.

George North will be stood down from rugby for at least a month, after his third concussion since the start of February on Friday night. North collided with the leg of Wasps' Nathan Hughes before being knocked unconscious, which the Wasps' backrow controversially picked up a three week suspension for. North also suffered two serious head injuries during Wales' defeat to England in February, receiving an accidental kick from Dave Attwood, before also colliding with his teammate Richard Hibbard in the second half. The Saints said earlier in the week that North would see a neurologist, and have since announced that the player will take a month off, before further examination. "North saw a neurologist on Wednesday (April 1st), who has advised that the winger take a month away from playing rugby before being re-assessed at the end of April," a statement read. "North will continue to be monitored by the Saints' medical team in the intervening period. 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." Saints boss Jim Mallinder says that the player will only return to action once the club are convinced he is 100 percent fit to play. "We have listened to the advice we sought and George will be taking some time away from the field,” said director of rugby Jim Mallinder. "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." It means that North will miss this weekend's Champions Cup quarter final against Clermont, and will also miss the semi final, should they progress.