Gatland to 'look after' Wales wing North

Wales coach Warren Gatland has opened the door on an earlier-than-expected return for star wing George North.

North's selection comes four days after he missed Northampton's English Premiership game against Sale.

Northampton's Australian boss Alan Gaffney suggested North had not wanted to play for his club.

The player was released by Wales as it was a Six Nations off week, but he did not play for Northampton reportedly because he had an arrangement with former boss Jim Mallinder that he would not play for the club on rest weekends.

Gatland said North injured his hip flexor during the loss to Ireland 11 days ago, and was treated by Wales' medical staff before returning to Northampton the next day.

Asked if Gaffney had unfairly singled out North, Gatland said: "Coaches do their own thing.

"I don't have any problem with that. I can't comment on the Northampton situation. I just know that George picked up a slight hip-flexor injury against Ireland when he came on.

"The message I have said to George is if he wants to come home quicker than next season, we will look after him," Gatland said.

"We are here for him. He knows if he isn't comfortable in that environment we will support him and the (Welsh Rugby Union) will support him 100 per cent for whatever happens with him."

Meanwhile, making Taulupe Faletau captain of Wales for the first time "will be great for his development," Gatland says.

Faletau will lead Wales out in Sunday's Six Nations match against Italy for his 71st cap as regular skipper Alun Wyn Jones is being rested.

Faletau tore medial ligaments in his left knee in mid-December playing for Bath and the two-time British and Irish Lion was expected to miss the Six Nations.

"Taulupe is a world-class player, hugely experienced, and this will be great for his development and we are looking forward to seeing those leadership qualities come through," Gatland said.