George North ended his rugby career on Saturday, playing his final match for the Barbarians against Wales at Twickenham. The 34-year-old announced his retirement in April, having not featured for French club Provence since February. It was his first appearance for the Barbarians, and he said he could not turn down the invitation, particularly with Wales as the opposition.
North earned 121 caps for Wales, winning four Six Nations titles and touring with the British & Irish Lions twice. At club level, he represented Scarlets, Northampton Saints, Ospreys and Provence. He described his career as a privilege, adding that he had made friendships to last a lifetime.
Despite recent injury problems, North said he still felt capable of competing but wanted to leave the game on his terms. He told RugbyPass he was 'starting to creak' and, at 34, had been professional since the age of 17. He also spoke of spending more time with his wife Becky, a former Olympic cyclist, and their two sons, Jac and Tomi.
Having joined Provence in 2024, North and his family have settled into French life. His children now speak French, and he recounted how his youngest son asked for vinaigrette at dinner. He praised the French way of life, saying the family had met wonderful people through the club and school, and that he had become someone who walks to the bakery with his children.
Off the pitch, North is co-owner of the Baffle Haus cafe chain, which has outlets in Pontypool and near Cardiff. He is expected to devote more time to business and may take up media work, following the path of former Wales team-mates Sam Warburton, Dan Biggar and Jonathan Davies.
