Saints winger North declares himself fit for Wales’ World Cup campaign

North hasn’t played rugby since suffering concussion in action for Saints against Wasps on March 27.

North was stood down by neurologists following the accidental knockout blow to the head from Nathan Hughes in Northampton’s 52-30 victory at Franklin’s Gardens.

The 23-year-old, who missed out on Saints’ Aviva Premiership run-in, will be named in Warren Gatland’s World Cup squad on Monday, and has confirmed he is ready to throw himself fully into preparations for the autumn tournament.

“I’m okay thanks; it’s been a bit of a long road,” said North, speaking at a Dove Men event at Twickenham.

“I’m feeling fit and well now, and looking forward to what’s ahead.”

North missed Northampton’s Premiership semi-final defeat to Saracens, despite being in contention for a return.

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder accused Wales boss Gatland of playing ‘mind games’ after warning one more concussion could threaten North’s career.

Saints coach Dorian West later said North was continuing his graded recovery ahead of the Premiership semi-finals, but the 49-cap Wales star still missed that Saracens showdown.

West said of North ahead of that semi-final “he’ll be right when he’s right” as the east Midlands club refused to rush his return to action.

Now though, the three-cap British and Irish Lions star looks primed to take a full part in Wales’ pre-tournament preparations.