George North is back in action as he returns to training with Provence, signaling his recovery from a serious Achilles injury that had kept him off the field for months. The Welsh rugby star, who signed a two-year deal with the French Pro D2 team, suffered the injury in his last game for Wales during the Six Nations last year. Now, after ten months of rehabilitation, North is back on the field, participating in training sessions. Provence shared a video on their Instagram account showcasing North engaged in various drills, with the caption praising his leadership qualities and the positive energy he brings to the team.
Meanwhile, France has been dealt a significant blow as flanker Charles Ollivon has been ruled out of the upcoming Six Nations tournament due to a season-ending knee injury. The Toulon captain sustained a serious ACL injury in his right knee during a match against Racing 92, requiring him to undergo surgery and face a recovery period of around six months. This setback adds to the list of injured French players, with Gael Fickou and Jonathan Danty also sidelined for the tournament due to thumb and knee injuries, respectively. France is set to kick off their Six Nations campaign against Wales at the end of January.
In other rugby news, Gloucester Rugby has announced the decision to remove international flags from players’ shirts after facing criticism. The controversy arose when prop Kirill Gotovtsev appeared with the Russian flag on his shirt, sparking backlash due to Russia’s exclusion from international sports following the Ukraine invasion. Gloucester has decided to eliminate flag printing on all players’ shirts, including Welsh players like Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Max Llewellyn, Josh Hathaway, and Freddie Thomas. This move comes in response to community feedback and aims to avoid causing any further discomfort or offense.
Additionally, former England scrum-half Danny Care has confirmed his commitment to Harlequins for another season, marking his 20th year with the club. Care, who retired from international rugby last year, expressed his love for the game and the club, emphasizing his joy in playing for Harlequins. The seasoned player recently made his 386th appearance for the club and continues to contribute to the team’s success on the field. Care’s dedication to the sport and his long-standing career serve as an inspiration to fans and teammates alike.
The rugby world is abuzz with anticipation as teams prepare for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, with players like George North making impressive comebacks and seasoned veterans like Danny Care continuing to shine on the field. The stage is set for an exciting and action-packed series of matches, with teams facing challenges and setbacks but showing resilience and determination in pursuit of victory. As fans eagerly await the kick-off of the tournament, the rugby community is united in its passion for the sport and the camaraderie it fosters among players and supporters alike.