Wales legend George North to bring down curtain on international career
Wales outside centre George North.
Wales back George North has announced that he will retire from the international game after this weekend’s Six Nations match against Italy at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The 31-year-old, who made his Test debut as an 18-year-old against South Africa in Cardiff in 2010, made the announcement of his retirement on social media on Wednesday.
“I’ve decided that the game on Saturday will bring my international career to an end,” North wrote on Instagram.
‘Right time to step away’
“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 teammates.
“I’ve been very lucky to have lived my dream. I’m excited for the next chapter. Thank you all for your support over the years. Diolch.”
With 120 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.
North, who initially played on the wing for his country before moving to outside centre, is also in second position on Wales’ list of all-time men’s try-scorers with 47 five-pointers, behind Shane Williams (58), and will be hoping to narrow that gap in a red jersey against the Italy at the weekend.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland paid tribute to North and praised him for his contribution to the game.
“George has contributed hugely to Welsh rugby, in an incredible career starting as an 18-year-old,” he said. “The way that he burst onto the scene. I can remember seeing him play and thinking we need to cap this kid.
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“He’s been incredible as a rugby player, but I think the most important thing is how he’s contributed to the squad as a person over the years. How positive and encouraging he’s been within and around the group, things that people wouldn’t have seen in terms of what he’s 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 Principality Stadium one final time in a red jersey on Saturday and I hope everyone will join me in celebrating him. Diolch George.”
Youngest try-scorer
North was Wales senior men’s international number 1078 and he made an immediate impact on the international game when he scored two tries on his debut against the Springboks.
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.
In 2023, he was also selected for his fourth Rugby World Cup when he was included in Wales’ squad for the tournament in France after previously representing his country at the global tournament in New Zealand in 2011, England in 2015 and Japan in 2019.
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