Gatland, who led Wales to the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam this year, will miss the summer tour as he recovers from a fall at his home in New Zealand.

In his absence attack coach Rob Howley will take caretaker charge as Wales look to follow up their Six Nations triumph by improving their record of just one win against the southern hemisphere powerhouses of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa since Gatland took charge in 2007.

And while North admits Gatland’s absence will come as a blow the 20-year-old winger claims there is enough experience in the camp to cope.

“It's obviously bad news for Warren and we hope it's a speedy recovery,” he said.

“But I am sure Rob will do a good job as all the other coaching staff will do.

“It will maybe affect us a little bit with the head coach not out there, but the quality of players we have now and the quality if the coaching staff is very high.

“It will be a bit weird not having him there but I am sure we can cope.

“We have been guilty in the past of slowing down after a slam but the boys we have here are keen to push on achieve more, we believe we can do that with the quality of players we have.

“Australia are a hard team to play wherever you play them but it will be tough to play three Tests in their back yard.

“But it's where we need to be, we need to push ourselves to see where we are as a team and a squad.”