Six Nations 2024: George North injury fears ease for Wales before tournament
- Published
George North has played 118 internationals for Wales
Wales have eased fears over the fitness of centre George North before the Six Nations opening game against Scotland on 3 February in Cardiff.
North suffered a shoulder injury in Ospreys' Challenge Cup victory against Lions in Johannesburg which forced him off in the first half.
The 118-cap back, the most experienced member of Warren Gatland's squad, will sit out training until Friday.
"George is going to be alright," said Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins.
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth said following the win in South Africa that North was sore with a "neural element in his shoulder".
North and international team-mates Adam Beard and Owen Watkin, flew back Sunday evening before linking up with Wales at their Vale of Glamorgan training base on Monday.
"He might do a bit of work this afternoon, he hasn't done anything since Sunday but hopefully he will be able to train Friday," added Jenkins.
Centre options
North would be expected to rekindle his World Cup centre partnership with Nick Tompkins, with Watkin, Joe Roberts and Mason Grady the other midfield options.
The 31-year-old, who will leave Ospreys for French side Provence for 2024-25, is Wales' third most capped player, behind only Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins.
He became the first Welshman to play in four World Cup quarter-finals in the 2023 defeat against Argentina in Marseille.
"We had some conversations with George and I think he can still get to the next World Cup," said Wales head coach Warren Gatland, after naming his squad last week.
"The combination with Nick Tompkins and George was great during [last year's] World Cup.
"His role over the next few years may change, he could be someone who ends up as part of the 23 or part of the squad. He's well aware of that."
Wales are already without number eight Taulupe Faletau, flankers Jac Morgan and Taine Plumtree and hooker Dewi Lake for the Six Nations tournament because of injuries, while Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny have retired and Liam Williams is unavailable because of club commitments in Japan.
Gareth Anscombe's move to Japan fell through because of a groin injury suffered during the World Cup and he is currently going through rehabilitation and using the WRU's facilities.
Anscombe is not a member of the Six Nations squad with no set return date for action.