George North: Tributes pour in for ‘once in a generation’ Wales great ahead of final Test
Wales and British & Irish Lions back George North.
One of Wales’ all-time greats, George North, will hang up his Test boots on Saturday when he runs out onto the Principality pitch in his final game for his country.
The 31-year-old has been named as the outside centre for the Six Nations match against Italy and shocked the rugby world when he confirmed that it would be his final match for Wales.
North debuted for Wales as an 18-year-old, scoring twice in his first appearance against South Africa back in 2010, and has since gone on to rack up 120 Test caps for his country, three for the British and Irish Lions and has scored 49 Test tries.
He represented Wales at four Rugby World Cups and featured in the 2013 and 2017 British & Irish Lions tours.
North will continue playing rugby next season, having agreed a deal with ambitious French club Provence.
Following the announcement of his decision, tributes have poured in for the legendary back, with head coach Warren Gatland praising his impact on Welsh Rugby.
Warren Gatland on George North
“George has contributed hugely to Welsh rugby in an incredible career, starting as an 18-year-old,” the Wales head coach who handed North his first and last Test cap said.
“The way that he burst onto the scene. I can remember seeing him play and thinking, ‘We need to cap this kid’.
“He has been incredible as a rugby player, but I think the most important thing is how he has contributed to the squad as a person over the years.
“How positive and encouraging he has been within and around the group, things that people wouldn’t have seen in terms of what he has organised off the field.
“George has been outstanding and a credit to himself. He can definitely hold his head high. He and his family and friends can be very proud of everything he has achieved.
“I look forward to watching George play at the Principality Stadium one final time in a red jersey on Saturday, and I hope everyone will join me in celebrating him. Diolch George.”
Legends react
North announced his decision on social media, with current and former teammates and opponents wishing the retiring legend well.
His former Wales and Lions teammate Jamie Roberts hailed him as a “generational player” on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, adding on Instagram: “Proud of you brother. Some amazing moments in the Wales jersey. Enjoy Saturday.”
Former dual-code legend Scott Quinnell wrote: “Congratulations on an amazing career. One of the very best. Enjoy every minute of Saturday.”
His former captain Sam Warburton said that North was a “once in a generation player”, with ex-Wales fly-half simply stating: “What a career! Legend.”
“One of the best. Thank you very much George,” former referee Nigel Owens wrote in a post.
Meanwhile, Springboks legend Bryan Habana – who squared off against North in the latter’s Test debut – wrote: “Congrats on an incredible chapter @george_north. One of the best to ever do it!!!!”
Ex-England centre Will Greenwood added: “George, what an absolute hero! Right up there with some of the all time greats…”
Fans reaction
While taken aback by the news, the fans and pundits spoke highly of North with many sharing his best moments over his career.
The one that popped up several times on social media was him Israel Folau over his shoulder and running with him during the 2013 British and Irish Lions Series in Australia.
We will NEVER forget this #DiolchGeorge
— Jamie Phillips (@JNPhillips4) March 13, 2024
However, Blood and Mud podcast host Josh Gardner remembered another incredible moment in North’s career.
He wrote: “In a career full of amazing tries, this is the moment I always come back to – the moment I realised just how special George was. The pace, the unbelievable power, the skill, the awareness and intelligence… he had absolutely everything. A modern great.”
https://twitter.com/joshgardner/status/1767918710658932781
Andrew Forde, who runs the popular YouTube compilation channel, wrote: “Since I was 11 years old, North’s been a constant feature in a Welsh shirt. It’s going to be so weird seeing him retire. Absolute World Class over the years, 2010-13 George North was different gravy. Expect a HUGE international highlights of him next week!”
Respected Welsh journalist Simon Thomas added: “He’s been a tremendous player for Wales. One of the very best of his generation.”
“Congratulations to George North on a sensational, mould-breaking career. During his pomp, he was one of the most terrifying runners in test rugby, capable of reducing opposition tacklers to rubble. His role in the 2012 Grand Slam and 2013 Lions series is hall of fame stuff,”
Ross Harries wrote.
