Northampton Saints has issued the following statement about the medical assessment and treatment of George North at Welford Road tonight.

George was attended to by the Northampton Saints medical team rapidly after landing on his side following a challenge in the air by Adam Thompstone. George was communicating immediately with attending medics and complaining of neck pain. Significant neck injury was excluded on the field but on review of video footage pitch side, the team followed World Rugby protocols and used a Head Injury Assessment given the potential mechanism for head injury. George was fully assessed by the doctor and passed fit to return to play.

Northampton Saints places the highest importance on player care and their safety is the club’s primary concern.

Thanks for all the messages. I am ok. I landed on my neck and was worried about it. Thanks to the medics for checking me out properly. 1/2 — George North (@George_North) December 3, 2016