George North: Wales centre announces retirement from Test rugby

Wales centre George North has announced he will retire from international rugby after the Six Nations on Saturday.

The home game against Italy will be his 121st and final Wales appearance.

North, 31, is Wales' third most capped player in history behind only Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins.

He will continue playing club rugby having announced he will move from Ospreys to French side Provence for the 2024-25 season.

North is the latest Wales player to announce his retirement within the last year following Jones, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, Josh Navidi, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny.

North had initially said he wanted to continue his international career despite his club move to France.

He stated in November 2023 he had no intention to quit Wales and gave no indication in February 2024 of this decision before his 50th Six Nations game, against England.

However, Wales head coach Warren Gatland said he held "honest discussions" with North about how he could get through to a potential fifth World Cup.

North was not selected for the opening match against Scotland, but returned against England and Ireland before being dropped for the defeat by France last weekend.

He has been recalled for this weekend's final match of the campaign against Italy - his 121st cap - with Wales looking to avoid finishing bottom for the first time since 2003.

"I have decided that the game on Saturday will bring my international career to an end," said North.

"After 14 years it feels like now is the right time to step away. I have loved and cherished every second in a Welsh shirt and been able to play alongside some fantastic team-mates.

"I am very lucky to have lived my dream. I'm excited for the next chapter. Thank you for all the support over the years."

North in numbers

• Wales' second highest try scorer (47)

• Wales' third highest cap holder (121st on Saturday against Italy)

• Youngest Wales try scorer (v South Africa in 2010) aged 18 years and 214 days

• Youngest World Cup try scorer (v Namibia in 2011) aged 19 years and 166 days

• Youngest Wales player to win 50 caps, aged 23 and 138 days

• World's youngest player to win 100 caps in February 2021, aged 28 years and 320 days

• First Welshman to play in four World Cup quarter-finals

• Fifth Welshman to play 50 games in the Six Nations

North star

North will be considered a modern day Wales great in an international career that lasted more than 13 years and saw him win two Grand Slams, four Six Nations titles and appear in four World Cups, including two semi-finals. Only Shane Williams has scored more tries for Wales.

North made his international debut in November 2010 when he crossed twice against South Africa to become Wales' youngest scorer.

George North scored twice on his Test debut against South Africa, aged 18

The following year he played in the first of four World Cups, where he became the youngest try scorer in the tournament's history

North also played a key part in the British & Irish Lions winning side against Australia in 2013.

He finished a stunning solo try to help win the first Test and scored in the deciding Third Test in Sydney, to secure the Lions' first series win since 1997.

But he will also be remembered for the second Test in Melbourne in which he ran with the ball while carrying Wallaby full-back Israel Folau on his back.

George North carrying Israel Folau became one of the iconic images of the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour

North toured again with the Lions four years later in New Zealand but a knee injury ruled him out of contention for South Africa in 2021.

He spent most of his international career on the wing before switching to centre under Wayne Pivac for the 2021 Six Nations, in which he claimed a fourth title.

North, who played club rugby for Scarlets, Northampton Saints and Ospreys suffered a couple of difficult years after receiving a series of high-profile concussion injuries.

"George has contributed hugely to Welsh rugby in an incredible career starting as an 18-year-old," said Gatland.

"The way that he burst onto the scene. I can remember seeing him play and thinking we need to cap this kid.

"He's been incredible as a player but the most important thing is how he's contributed to the squad as a person, how positive and encouraging he's been within and around the group.

"George has been outstanding and can be very proud of everything he has achieved. Diolch (Thank you)."

True professional

Record Wales try-scorer Shane Williams told BBC Radio Wales: "It's a surprise to me, especially with the way George is playing at the moment. It's not as if he's in bad form or carrying any injuries.

"I thought he had another couple of years left in those legs, at international level. It's a real shame to see him go, he's been fantastic since his debut through to now.

"When he made his debut in 2010, he scored two tries and his confidence went straight through the roof. He was a player of great ability; he trained well and was a real professional.

"That's why he's had this long career, he deserves everything he gets. George has decided to go out on his own terms, so good for him.

"It would be great to have him involved in the Welsh team for as long as possible, but only George knows how he feels.

"He's been playing rugby a long time and it's fair to say his body has taken a bit of a beating over the years.

"You know when it's time to retire, your body tells you. You make a call; you look at your family and prioritise those guys.

"Only George can make that decision, he loves playing for Wales and if he thought for one second he could've got to the next World Cup, he would've done that.

"You've got to listen to your body and realise there's more important things in life than rugby."

Former Wales fly-half and captain Jonathan Davies said: "He's been immense. We don't breed many players of his pace and size in Wales, so when he came along he was like a breath of fresh air.

"He was the size of Jonah Lomu. Like Lomu he was a winger, but a Welsh winger.

"He did have huge impact and moments in games, whether it was for Wales or the Lions.

"It's also the mark of the man how he's come back from injuries.

"He's had a few nasty bumps which could have dented or stopped his career and the way he's responded has been great.

"To stay that long and be that physical player shows what a true professional he has been."

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