George North backs Warren Gatland to continue coaching Wales

George North has backed Warren Gatland to continue as the head coach of Wales despite their recent performance in the Six Nations.

Gatland's men started the championships with a one-point defeat against Scotland followed by another two-point loss against England.

From there, they were thrashed by Ireland 31-7 in the third round before suffering another defeat to Italy in the final round, their seventh successive Six Nations loss in Cardiff.

The result meant Wales finished bottom of the Six Nations table after which Gatland offered his resignation to the Welsh Rugby Union which was turned down.

Wales have won just one of their past 13 Six Nations games but North - who played his 121st and final match for Wales on Saturday - has full belief in Gatland.

"He knows how to get the best out of boys, especially with where we are. [Him leaving] wouldn't solve much, would it? said North.

"The boys know the standard. Gats drives that, the coaches drive that, but it is going to take time for us to get there.

"We have spoken about it honestly, and I think you have to in these times. We know where we are as a squad

"There are some real positives coming through, some shining lights, we have just got to give them time. Unfortunately, we are in the results business and the results business waits for no man."

Despite the setback, North highlighted the challenge to build towards the next World Cup in Australia.

"What a great challenge now for these boys to go (against) South Africa and Australia [in the summer] at the end of a long World Cup year. It is the experience they need to build that resilience and robustness into them and drive forward.

"The public have been incredible with their support for the boys, and all I would say is keep believing in them.

"The talent is there - I have seen it first-hand. The talent is immense, we've just got to give it time. Don't think we are too far away from clicking. You have to get through this bit to get to the good bit.

"I was very fortunate I had a few more people to hold my hand when I was their age and show me how to go about winning. Once you know how and win once, you know."