A LOT has happened for Welsh winger George North in the four years since he made World Cup history as the youngest ever try scorer in the history of the competition.

But, despite playing his part in a victorious British and Irish Lions tour, pocketing a Premiership winner’s medal with Northampton Saints and winning a Six Nations Grand Slam with Wales, the 23-year-old insists the excitement of the biggest rugby competition in the world still burns as bright as ever.

Now cleared to return to full training after a series of head injuries, North is itching to get back to action and help Wales improve on their World Cup semi-final exit in 2011.

During that tournament in New Zealand, former Scarlets man North announced himself to the world with two tries against Namibia, beating the previous record held by Australian Joe Roff as the youngest ever try scorer at 19 years and 166 days.

Now, just one appearance shy of 50 caps for his country, North will be one of the most recognisable players when this year’s World Cup kicks off on September 18.

“It’s been awesome when I look back at it,” he said. “But this is another World Cup. It will be different this time around as everyone knows me now, but I’m looking forward to it and the chance to represent my country.”

Despite his comparatively young years, North is one of the more experienced members in Warren Gatland’s 47-man extended World Cup training squad.

Seventeen of those players, including North, have previous World Cup experience while nine have yet to turn out for their country at senior international level.

They include four uncapped players in the backs in the form of Gareth Anscombe, Newport Gwent Dragons pair Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan and Osprey wing Eli Walker, while Gloucester’s Ross Moriarity and Exeter Chiefs’ Tomas Francis, dual-qualified for England and Wales, are also included.

“I remember being a younger member of the squad,” he said. “You just want to impress. It’s about keeping on top form and staying in one piece, not picking up any injuries.

“The likes of Jack and Tyler may be new to the squad but they still have a chance of putting their hands up for selection. You’re only an injury away from seeing your chance go, but then that opens the door for someone else.”

Wales face warm-up games against Ireland and Italy before opening their World Cup campaign on September 20 against Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium.

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