North suffered a hamstring tear in the Lions’ entertaining 31-31 draw with Super Rugby giants Hurricanes in Wellington on Tuesday and will return home this weekend for treatment.
North scored at the Westpac Stadium, but was struggling to walk at full time.
Also flying back to the United Kingdom is Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw who has a pectoral muscle injury.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland said: “It’s hugely unfortunate for George. We have been very lucky with injuries on this tour so far.
“Both he and Robbie have been great assets to the squad on this tour and we wish them all the best for their journey home.”
North’s injury means he missed out on selection for Saturday’s second Test with the All Blacks in Wellington.
Gatland has decided against calling up further reinforcements despite losing North and Henshaw with there being just two games left of the 10-match New Zealand trip.
