Kearney: North star must be dimmed

The awards, accolades and praise for George North just keep on coming after another stellar year for the explosive Wales wing.

Two more tries for his country last weekend against familiar foes Australia added to the lustre and, on Thursday, the 21-year-old powerhouse received possibly the most humbling recognition when he was voted onto to the players’ World 15 of the Year at the inaugural International Rugby Players’ Association annual awards.

It caps a glittering 12 months which saw North help capture another Six Nations title for Wales and land a first series victory for the British & Irish Lions since 1997, playing in all three Tests against the Wallabies and scoring a try in each of the victories.