Six Nations: George North to return for Wales against France as Warren Gatland shuffles pack

George North is set to return to the Wales starting line-up for the Six Nations encounter with France on 28 February as Warren Gatland makes four changes to the side that narrowly beat Scotland.

Northampton wing North was left out of the match day squad for the exciting 26-23 victory at Murrayfield on 15 February after becoming the subject of a heated debate on concussion in the aftermath of Wales' disappointing defeat to England.

The 22-year-old received two accidental but substantial blows to the head from Dave Atwood and teammate Richard Hibbard during that match at the Millennium Stadium, with a number of supporters, medical experts and ex-professionals questioning why he was not immediately withdrawn from the field of play after television footage appeared to show the second incident had rendered North unconscious.

Wales medical manager Prav Mathema did concede the decision to remove North would have been taken had his team had seen the sickening collision and the player, who also sustained a head injury during the autumn in a fixture against New Zealand, was replaced by Liam Williams for the clash with Scotland.

George North in, Scott Cuthbert out

Thankfully, there appear to be no long-term fears over North's health and the WRU confirmed on 24 February that he will start ahead of Scott Cuthbert as Gatland's side seek to register their fourth consecutive win against a France team still in a period of gradual transition under the guidance of coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

Talented young tight-head prop Samson Lee also returns for Wales after his own bout of concussion in place of Aaron Jarvis, while Scott Baldwin replaces Hibbard at hooker. Luke Charteris will partner Alun Wyn Jones in the second row at the expense of Jake Ball.

"We have made some tough calls and there were some tight decisions but it is a very strong team we are putting out," Gatland said on his latest selection.

"We have a lot of strength in depth at second-row, it is a chance for Luke Charteris to get a start and we have been impressed with Bradley Davies as well. It is nothing against Jake but we have a lot of strength in depth and it's an opportunity to see the other two.

"It's a chance for Scott Baldwin to start as well, the last time he started he went well in the victory over South Africa. It is great to have Samson back available and it was a tough call in the back-three but we have decided to go with Liam and George.

"We felt we improved against Scotland and we are looking for another improvement this weekend. It's a tough competition to go on the road and ask for that but that is what we are looking for."