‘I’ve been able to live out my childhood dream’ – British & Irish Lions star calls time on professional career
George North in action for the British & Irish Lions and Wales (inset).
Legendary Wales and British & Irish Lions back George North has announced that he will call time on his career at the end of the current season.
North is currently plying his trade in France with PROD2 outfit Provence and made the announcement of his impending retirement on social media on Wednesday.
“Hi guys, just wanted to come on here and let you know at the end of the season I’ll be retiring,” he said in a post on Instagram.
‘I’ve been able to live out my childhood dream’
“For me, it’s the right time. I’ve been able to live out my childhood dream for many seasons, playing with some of the best players, coaches and the staff behind.
“I can’t thank my family, my friends and you guys enough for the support you’ve shown me over the years.
“Honestly, it’s meant the world to me.
“The next chapter? Yeah, still working on that one, but I’m excited to see where that journey takes me.
“So again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you and diolch.”
With 121 caps, North is in third position on Wales‘ all-time list of men’s most capped players behind Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins, who have made 158 and 129 Test appearances respectively for their country.
He is the youngest rugby player to win 100 international caps for his country, achieving this milestone at 28 years and 320 days of age on February 27 2021, when playing for Wales against England.
North, who also made three Test appearances for the British & Irish Lions, retired from international rugby after the 2024 Six Nations before joining Provence later that year.
During the second Test of the Lions’ 2013 three-Test series against the Wallabies in Melbourne, North was responsible for one of the most memorable moments of the famous touring team’s trip to Australia when he carried out a ‘fireman’s lift’ manoeuvre on Israel Folau, who was trying to tackle him.
Comfortable on the wing and at centre
North initially played on the wing for Wales before moving to outside centre and occupies second position on his country’s list of all-time men’s try-scorers with 47 five-pointers, behind Shane Williams (58).
Prior to joining Provence, North enjoyed successful stints at club rugby level with the Scarlets (2010 to 2013), Northampton Saints (2013 to 2018) and the Ospreys (2018 to 2024).
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He made an immediate impact in the international arena when he crossed for a try on his Wales debut against the Springboks in Cardiff in 2010 as an 18-year-old.
By doing that, he became the youngest player in almost 117 years to score a try on his debut for Wales – beating Tom Pearson, who was aged 18 years, 238 days when he scored against England in 1891.
He is the third youngest player to play for Wales behind his former Wales U18 team-mate Tom Prydie and Norman Biggs.
During his Test career, North was part of two Grand Slam-winning squads in 2012 and 2019, and he also helped Wales win the Six Nations title in 2013 and 2021.