Quiting never crossed my mind insists George North

George North has read some nasty stories about the effects of concussion over the past nine weeks – but not once has he thought about  hanging up his boots.
The Northampton star, who was this week named in the Wales training squad ahead of the World Cup, has not played since March 27 when he was knocked out by a knee to the head from Wasps No.8 Nathan Hughes.
Added to the controversial episode against England in the opening round of the Six Nations where he tried to play on after colliding with hooker Richard Hibbard’s head, that was his fourth concussion in 14 weeks and he was advised by neurologists to miss the rest of the season to allow his brain to heal.
Some suggested his career could be over at the age of 22 but North told The Rugby Paper: “Retiring has never been in my thoughts. It was more a case of giving it time and I’d be back playing.
“I remember bits and bobs from each incident but I thought it was time to listen to the specialists rather than push on.
“Looking at the bigger picture, it was only a small sacrifice not to pay for a short while rather than risk my long-term well-being.”
He added: “Initially I questioned myself regarding my technique but after reviewing each incident it was clear I had just been bitterly unlucky.
“I’ve read reports in the NFL and ice hockey and sometimes the research can be quite scary.
“I was told if I came back before the end of the season and took another blow, I would have to spend three to six months doing nothing at all.
“If you do too much damage to your brain, there is a syndrome where you can get knocked out cold just by bumping into someone’s shoulder in the street. I can’t be side-stepping people all day, everyday!”
Nine weeks into his recovery, North is feeling in great shape and he’s passed the running stage of the return-to-play protocols.
Next step is taking full contact but, with another two months before he has to tackle one of his Wales teammates in training, he will not rush things.
He said: “I’m yet to have a full contact session but there’s no point exposing myself to that risk now.
“We won’t take contact with Wales until the end of July or early August, so I’ve got another two months.
“I’ve been out for nine weeks now and I feel back to normal. Time is the best healer with concussion so imagine how I’ll feel in two months’ time. I can’t wait to get back out there. I’ll be like a kid in a candy shop.
“Some of the things I read about me in recent weeks weren’t nice but it was good in a way because the game around the world needs to identify that concussion is a big thing.”
NICK VERDIER
*George North was speaking at Dove Men+Care’s launch as Official Tournament Supplier of Rugby World Cup. For your chance to win tickets #scrumtogether on @dovemen.