George North confirms the extent of his injury ruling him out of the British and Irish Lions Tour

George North's hopes of making the British and Irish Lions squad that will tour to South Africa have been dashed. 

The experienced Welsh Internation has confirmed that he will undergo surgery next week after rupturing his ACL in Ospreys’ PRO14 Rainbow Cup opener against the Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

He suffered the injury in the second half of the match and as he appeared to have got his leg stuck in the turf at the Liberty Stadium and he was clearly in pain as he was helped into the change room.

The 105 test cap back confirmed the news via his social media channels on Wednesday stating that 'Heartbroken is an understatement.'

"Sport can be cruel," tweeted North. "We all know the risks when we take the field.

"Unfortunately I ruptured my ACL on Saturday and will need surgery next week. Heartbroken is an understatement."

Sport can be cruel. We all know the risks when we take the field. Unfortunately I ruptured my ACL on Saturday and will need surgery next week. Heartbroken is an understatement. 💔 pic.twitter.com/icNDEmYmHE

— George North (@George_North) April 28, 2021

The injury rules North out of what would have been his third Lions Tour, had he got picked, as he will likely be sidelined for six to nine months.

It will also likely rule him out of Wales' Autumn Internationals when the Six Nations champions will face New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji and Australia. 

North earned three Lions test caps in 2013 scoring two tries against the Wallabies in the Series victory. The 29-year-old tore a hamstring scoring for the Lions in a midweek game during the 2017 tour ruling him out of the test matches.

North played a vital role in Wales’ successful 2021 Six Nations campaign and was one of the form centres in the competition with many backing him to make a third Lions tour, even tipping him to start in the #13 jersey.

Lions coach Warren Gatland will name his 36-man squad on 6 May.