Sunday 10 May 2015 12:26, UK
Wales coach Warren Gatland fears George North's rugby career could be in jeopardy if he suffers further concussions.
North suffered head knocks in Tests against New Zealand last November and in the Six Nations match against England.
He has not played since being knocked out again while playing for Northampton against Wasps six weeks ago but could return in two weeks' time in the Premiership play-off semi-finals.
"I had a meeting with George's agent and said if I was being purely selfish I would say 'George, don't play in the last few games, get yourself right for the World Cup'," Gatland told the Sunday Times.
"If he gets another knock he's going to have to be out for six months or a year. He has been out for a considerable amount of time but he's such a young player that if he picks up two or three more of those in the next year, that's going to finish his career isn't it?
"That is a concern but I can understand Northampton being desperate to get him back playing, particularly as they get to the end of the season."
The comments come against a backdrop of concern throughout rugby about the issue of concussions.
England full-back Mike Brown has not played since the Six Nations, having been concussed against Italy, while Welsh Rugby Union national medical manager Prav Mathema has described concussion as 'the No 1 issue' for the sport to address.
North, who in 2010 at 18-years-old became the youngest ever player to score a try on his debut for Wales against South Africa, has gone on to score another 21 tries in 49 Tests.
