George North has been told he needs to show Ireland his claws on Friday night or else he will miss out on another Lions tour. The warning comes from former Lions and Ireland prop Paul Wallace who reckons the Wales wing must summon something special when he goes head-to-head with Ireland’s Simon Zebo in Cardiff on Friday night.

The inclusion of George North – and the rejection of Taulupe Faletau – means Wales take on Scotland in bonny mood, argues Robin Davey. But he says Felatau’s stay in the bench suggests Howley knows that’s where he should have remained against England. Wales fly to Edinburgh on Thursday – to confront rejuvenated Scotland head-on at Murrayfield on Saturday – in a rare state of optimism. Encouraged by a vastly improved performance against England, even if denied victory almost at the death, interim coach Rob Howley was able to name a side showing just the one change.

George North has been restored to the Wales team to face Scotland, but Taulupe Faletau remains on the bench. Coach Rob Howley made an early team announcement on Wednesday – 24 hours ahead of his schedule – and has opted to bring back fit-again North, but keep faith with Ross Moriarty at No.8 in preference to Faletau.

Sam Davies could still start for Wales against England after Rob Howley admitted Dan Biggar and George North are still both in danger of being unfit. Despite naming both Biggar and North in the starting line-up for Saturday’s Six Nations clash in Cardiff, the pair could yet drop out.

George North’s latest head injury and its aftermath was a step backwards for rugby’s attempts to deal with the issue, according to campaigners. The Wales wing was injured playing for Northampton on December 3, but his club escaped punishment by the RFU and he is now free to continue playing.

Headway – the leading brain injury charity – have questioned why George North was allowed back onto the field after his recent injury for Northampton. The Wales wing will not play again until he has been assessed by an independent expert in head injuries.

Robin McBryde has claimed players are in a “tug of war” between club and country every November. The Wales assistant coach has welcomed the decision of English clubs to allow their Wales players to play against Australia next week.

George North, Jamie Roberts and the rest of Wales’ players based in England have been given the go-head to play in the first November Test. All of Wales’ Aviva Premiership players will be made available for the autumn series opener against Australia in Cardiff on November 5.

It’s October, a time of annual tradition, especially in Welsh rugby as old arguments are reached for and played out before the November internationals. Geraint Powell is reassured by familiar feelings at this time of year – as Wales row with the English clubs over whether they can play the likes of George North – but asks, does it really have to always be this way?

Liam Williams, Jake Ball and George North are all injury concerns for Wales after a bruising weekend of European rugby. Williams suffered an ankle injury playing for the Scarlets in their Champions Cup defeat at Saracens – and left the stadium wearing a protective boot – whilst Ball injured his ribs in the same match.

George North’s availability for Wales’ clash with Australia remains uncertain as Northampton say the winger is only contracted for Tests inside World Rugby’s international window. Wales’ interim head coach Rob Howley on Tuesday said that Saints wing North and Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts have told him they will be available to face the Wallabies in Cardiff on November 5.

Wales and Premiership Rugby could be on a collision course over the availability of England-based players for next month’s opening autumn Test against Australia. Wales’ interim head coach Rob Howley has revealed that Northampton wing George North and Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts have told him they will be available to face the Wallabies in Cardiff on November 5.