But with Wales’ RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland on February 2 less than a month away interim coach Rob Howley was relieved to hear an X-ray and scan revealed no significant damage to the winger.

Wales will already be without star fly-half Rhys Priestland for the campaign with a torn Achilles but will hope to have North back after he tweeted that he ‘should be fine.’

Scarlets said: “The Scarlets would like to express their gratitude for the concern raised by supporters and colleagues in the rugby world regarding George North following the neck injury he sustained against Ulster on Friday evening at Ravenhill.

“The Scarlets winger was taken to hospital after the incident where as a precaution his neck was both X-rayed and scanned.

“The results from the two scans showed that there was no significant or serious damage to his neck.

“George travelled home with the rest of his Scarlets team-mates on a flight from Belfast.

“He will be assessed further by the Scarlets medical team on Monday. It is too early to assess the full extent of the injury or indeed the recovery period at this stage.”