Six Nations 2024: Emotional George North reflects on glittering career ahead of Italy finale

In the end, the emotion almost became a bit too much for George North.

As he addressed the media following the shock announcement of his retirement from international rugby, the 31-year-old struggled at times to gather himself as he reflected on his glittering career.

His journey was a real boy-to-man story of a Welsh rugby icon who made his international debut aged 18.

"It's not been an easy decision for me at all," said North.

"It feels like the right time for me personally. It's the best thing for me and my family and the sacrifice everyone has to make. I've appreciated that from day dot.

"It's a decision I didn't take lightly because of what it means to put on the jersey. I didn't think this day would come, I wished this day would never come.

"It's about being able to go out on my terms and to enjoy it, like I have for every second of the last 14 years.

"I'm going to use this week and Saturday to take it all in and live my dream again one more time."

Time is right

George North is Wales' second highest try scorer behind Shane Williams with only Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins have won more caps

He had initially said he wanted to continue his international career despite his club move to French side Provence from Ospreys next season.

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

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 of the Six Nations for the first time since 2003.

"It's been something that has been on my mind," said North.

"It's always been about being the best I can be for Wales, with the Three Feathers on my chest. It was a real head and heart conversation and the amount of times I bounced back and forward.

"I would hate to put on the jersey and not do it justice, what it deserves. I'm still doing that now. It's been a hell of a run to get here.

"While there is pride in putting the jersey on, hopefully there is pride in leaving it in a better place for the next guy to have a go.

"I've cherished every second of it - the highs and the lows.

"There have been plenty of them. The people, coaches and team-mates I have met, the friendships I've made. I couldn't have written it better myself.

"I've been fortunate to live a dream not many people get to. To be able to finish it at home in front of a sold-out stadium with my family around me, seems like the best way for me to start my next chapter."

Last man standing

George North became the youngest try scorer at a World Cup in 2011 - he was 19 years and 166 days old when he scored against Namibia

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

Players like Liam Williams, Dan Lydiate, Ken Owens and Jonathan Davies are also not currently involved on the international stage, while Sam Warburton retired in 2018.

"I'm the last one standing!" said North.

"There'll be a few people saying I had arguably a few caps too many, but for 14 years I don't think anyone could ever doubt what I've offered up."

North's wife Becky quit cycling after winning double Olympics silver in 2016 in Rio.

"I was speaking to Becky about when she stepped away from cycling, and what that meant," said North.

"The conversation we have had plenty of times is, when you know, you know.

"In my heart, I know it's the right time to step away."

North made a dramatic impact when he scored two tries on his debut against South Africa as an 18-year-old in November 2010 against Bryan Habana.

His glittering Wales career included four Six Nations titles, with two Grand Slams and playing in four World Cups, where he featured in two semi-finals in 2011 and 2019.

George North's father Dave ran onto the pitch in Paris to celebrate his son's try against France in 2013

For a time, he was one of the finest wings in the world, if not the finest, perhaps typified by his brilliant performance against Ireland in 2012 in Dublin.

"Any young person's dream is to play for Wales and my first cap is something that will always burn strong," said North.

"It'll put a smile on my face. At the time I had a list of goals at the back of my bedroom door, and I knocked out probably 95% in one game.

"That gave me the snapshot and window to push on and gave me the fuel and desire to do what I've done for so long. That first cap will always stay with me.

"We had a decent patch between 2011-13, and that ride with that group of guys was special. The fact I've been to four World Cups has also given me a gee up sometimes."

North also played a starring role during the British and Irish Lions tour of 2013 in Australia where he scored two special Test tries in the 2-1 series win.

"That tour was special for a number of reasons, I was happy with the impact I made in the Tests," said North.

"The memories of working alongside that group are incredible. I couldn't believe the conversations I would have with the likes of Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, the Welsh and England guys. That's probably the favourite tour I've been on, well one of them."

George North scored a brilliant try in the first Lions Test against Australia in 2013 in Brisbane

Nothing changes this weekend

North will wear that red jersey one last time against Italy this weekend as he bids to help Wales avoid a first Wooden Spoon and bottom place finish in 21 years.

Two years ago, the build-up to the final tournament match against Italy in Cardiff was dominated by the celebration of Dan Biggar winning his 100th Wales cap and Alun Wyn Jones playing his 150th game for his country.

Wales went on to lose the match and North does not want any special treatment this weekend.

"I don't want it to be any different to normal," said North.

"That's part of the conversation I had with Gats (Warren Gatland) yesterday when I sat down in front of him.

"I said that when I spoke to the squad this morning. I said, 'let's not get weird'. This week is the same, the preparation is the same.

"This is why I wanted to get my message out as soon as I could because this is a huge week for us.

"I asked them for nothing to change from what we always do. It's a must-win game and the focus should never be on one individual.

"We've got to keep doing what's worked well for us and deliver an 80-minute performance we know we're capable of."

George North won his fourth Six Nations title in 2021

Wales are going through a tough losing phase with a lot of young players emerging at the same time following the loss of the old guard.

"This is a great opportunity for these guys to forge what they want from the next World Cup cycle and to stamp their name on the jersey," said North.

"It is a fresh start and a new beginning for many of these guys. I've had my journey and loved it.

"Now it is time for those boys to have theirs and to love it as much as I have."

Once the dust has settled, how personally would he like to be remembered?

"Half-decent would be nice, I hope people will think of me as a Test animal," said North.

"Someone who would never give in, would give everything, and left nothing out there."

As North finished his media duties, a round of applause followed. A rare act but fitting for a modern day Wales great.