Six Nations: George North says Warren Gatland Wales resignation 'would not solve much'

Departing George North says Warren Gatland resigning as Wales head coach is not the answer after a first Wooden Spoon in 21 years.

Gatland says Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney turned down his offer to resign following the 24-21 home defeat against Italy.

"That wouldn't solve much, would it?" said North.

North was forced off in the dying minutes of his final Wales appearance through injury.

"I've had a fair few conversations with Gats over the last few months," said North.

"He knows how to get the best out of the boys, especially with where we are.

"The boys know the standard. Gats drives that. The coaches drive that. But it's going to take time for us to get there.

"He's done it before but it takes time. The public have been incredible with their support for the boys and all I would say is keep believing in them.

"I've seen it first-hand, the talent is immense, we've just got to give it time. I don't think we're too far away from clicking, they've just got to push to that next step."

Wales have not lost all five matches in one tournament or finished bottom of the table since 2003 and have now lost the last seven Six Nations home games.

"It's gutting, you want to make your home a fortress so it's always tough to lose there," said North.

"Ending like we did is not perfect. No-one in an international jersey, especially a Wales jersey, wants to say that after playing at home. Unfortunately we've got to take the rough with the smooth."

Gatland admitted Welsh rugby was at rock bottom but insists there is light at the end the tunnel with North echoing these sentiments.

"I've been impressed with a fair few of the boys and how they've gone about their work," said North.

"We've started our cycle a lot earlier than a lot of other nations.

"There are some real positives coming through, some shining lights. We've just got to give them time.

"We are in the results business and that waits for no man. These guys have got a great opportunity now to forge what they want this team and this next rotation to look like.

"It's rubbish at the moment. You have to get through this to get to the good bit. I was 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."

George North leaves the Principality Stadium pitch for the final time on crutches after being injured in the 24-21 defeat against Italy

North admitted he did not receive the fairy-tale ending he dreamed of in his 121st and final Wales game after making his debut in 2010.

As well as the defeat, North received a rapturous response when was carried off in the 79th minute with an Achilles injury and left the ground on crutches with an appointment with a specialist on Monday.

North must wait to discover if he will return to action for the Ospreys this season ahead of joining ambitious French club Provence for next term.

But he will no longer be seen in the red jersey of Wales as he follows players like Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny into Test retirement during the last 10 months.

"It's a cocktail of emotion, people don't always get the fairy-tale ending they want," said North.

"The anthem is always teary for me.

"With two minutes to go I thought I might have had a chance to take it all in but then stuff happens. Ideally I wouldn't have had the last two minutes."

North added: "I'm still proud of what I've achieved and how I went about my work.

"To be able to do it (bow out) at home is special. I've been fortunate to live a dream. The support I've had over the years has been incredible.

"To be able to say thank you and to finish my last game at home was incredible and to have my friends and family and boys with me.

"The amount of messages I've had has been incredible and I can only say a massive thank you for the support from everyone.

"I will now have a bit of family time, a couple of beers and then fully appreciate the last 14 years."

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