George North to miss Ireland clash

George North has been ruled out of Saturday's game with Ireland as Wales continue their preparations for the World Cup.

The 23-year-old was knocked unconscious while in action for Northampton back in March and Wales have refused to take risks with one of their key players in his recovery, but he is likely to be available for the August 29 meeting in Dublin after he completes concussion protocols.

"George has been doing most of the stuff with the rest of the guys. He is still picking up on a few things and that's to do with the medical staff," kicking coach Neil Jenkins told Wales Online. "But he is going pretty well at this moment in time and has done a lot of skills and a fair bit of rugby stuff as well that we have done so far.

"He is looking in pretty good shape so hopefully things will keep progressing and he will take some parts in these games prior to the World Cup.

"I wouldn't have thought he would be involved this weekend but I am sure three weeks down the road, he could be involved in the Dublin game."

North has taken part in training camps in Doha and Switzerland ahead of the warm-up matches.