Lion George North roaring again after licking his wounds following injury that cut short summer New Zealand tour
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On the 27th day of the 10th month, George North’s body finally said 'Enough!' — followed quickly by his mind.
Rugby had consumed winger North through autumn and winter, spring and into summer. First with Northampton, then Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
In game No.29, his season ended abruptly when he tore a hamstring in New Zealand. Just as he had done the year before.
“I was physically and mentally ­shattered,” the wing revealed. “I needed to get away from rugby as quick as I could. I didn’t stay for the third Test. I logged out of social media and went completely off the radar.
“I told my old man I was going 'Missing In Action' for a bit. I totally switched off.”
(Image: AFP/Getty)
(Image: Getty Images)
Three months have now passed, and the smile has returned.
Saints are top of the Premiership and North has scored in his last three games.
Gone is the player who had ­appeared wary of contact after a string of serious head knocks. The 25-year-old is back at full bore.
If ever there was a case study for why rugby’s season should NOT be extended by another month as club chiefs propose, North is it.
“There’s such a physical and mental demand on you to perform each week,” he said. “You need proper time away to get yourself fired up and ready to go again.”
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For five weeks after he left ­Wellington a broken man, North ­repaired body and soul — first on ­holiday, then at the ­Eisteddfod, where he was made an honorary druid, then coaching kids at Llangefni, his first club, on the isle of Anglesey.
“People don’t appreciate how big the impacts are,” he explained. “And you have to do it again and again and again. Then you’re asked to step up internationally and do it more.
“After a long season, you’re ­horrendously tired — and last season was a hell of a long one.
“The club was in a bit of difficulty and in times of need you always want to front up for your mates.”
Having earned Lions legend status on the 2013 tour to Australia, North felt ­pressure to live up to those standards next time up in New Zealand four years later.
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Getty)
“It’s difficult, because in that ­environment you’re pushing every day as there’s such competition,” he added. “For your own pride you take yourself to the next level again.”
Omitted from the first Test, he went into the game against Super Rugby side the Hurricanes three days later thinking a big performance would put him back in contention.
He duly scored a try... and then his hamstring went.
The Lions’ loss is proving to be Northampton’s gain.
Armed with that knowledge, Saints should be the first to oppose any expansion talks.
As North concluded: “The season at the moment is hard enough. To extend it further would be silly.”