George North: Wales wing ruled out of New Zealand tour

George North has won 65 international caps - 62 for Wales and three for the Lions - at the age of 24

George North has been ruled out of Wales' New Zealand tour after suffering a significant hamstring tear in the 39-21 loss to the All Blacks on Saturday.

The British and Irish Lions wing, 24, suffered the injury tackling Waisake Naholo late on at Eden Park, where Wales led with 18 minutes remaining.

Wales have already called up 18-year-old Ospreys wing Keelan Giles as cover.

"It's unfortunate for him and it's a big loss for us as well," said Wales coach Warren Gatland of North.

"It's a significant tear. We're not sure whether he needs an operation on that. Hopefully he gets a good break in the off-season and comes back for next season."

North, who has scored 27 international tries in 62 Wales appearances, has been released from the Wales squad and returns to the UK for further treatment.

He joins Dan Lydiate, Paul James, Lloyd Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Justin Tipuric and Alex Cuthbert on Wales' injury list.

The Northampton wing received treatment on the pitch before being allowed to carry on, then broke down again as he attempted to stop Nathan Harris scoring the world champions' fifth try of the game.

Gatland described North's performance in Auckland on Saturday as "absolutely outstanding".

The Wales coach has added tight-head Aaron Jarvis, flanker Ellis Jenkins, scrum-half Aled Davies, fly-half Rhys Patchell and Wales Under-20 wing Giles to his original touring squad as injury cover.

Prop James and scrum-half Williams are returning to the UK because of injury, while flanker Lydiate was forced out of the tour after injuring his shoulder against England at the end of May.

Wales have now lost 27 consecutive games against the All Blacks, with their last win coming in 1953.

The Welsh, who play Super Rugby side the Chiefs on Tuesday, face the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday and again in Dunedin on 25 June as they seek a first win in New Zealand.