George North out of Lions After Announcing APL surgery

North is out of rivalry for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa after announcing Wednesday he has a serious knee injury.  29-year old  North will need surgery after rupturing his ACL – ending his hopes of a third Lions tour.

“We all know the risks when we take the field. Unfortunately, I ruptured my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) on Saturday and will need surgery next week. Heartbroken is an understatement.” North tweeted. 

North has won 102 caps for Wales and played in all three Lions tests against Australia eight years ago. George North’s injury is a major blow for British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland, who names his squad next week; North was hurt during Ospreys’ victory over Cardiff Blues last weekend.

However, the need for surgery is come with the end of hope because the recovery time for a ruptured ACL typically taking a pretty good number of months.

Gatland is set to name his squad for the tour next week, with the Lions take on Japan on June 26 and their first Test against South Africa on July 24.It is a second setback in 24 hours for Gatland after Wasps and England lock Joe Launchbury saw his Lions selection hopes ended, also by a ruptured knee ligament.