Wales great George North has announced he will retire from all rugby at the end of the season. The 34-year-old wing, who earned 121 caps for Wales and scored 47 tries, made the announcement on Wednesday, saying it was 'the right time' to bow out.
North burst onto the international scene at the age of 18, scoring two tries on his Test debut against South Africa. He went on to feature in four World Cups and was part of four Six Nations title-winning squads, including two Grand Slams. His iconic moments include a 40-metre run against Australia in the 2013 British & Irish Lions first Test and a famous 'fireman's lift' tackle on Israel Folau in the second Test.
At club level, North began at Scarlets before joining Northampton Saints in 2013, where he won a Premiership title. He later spent five years with Ospreys before moving to French ProD2 side Provence. Throughout his career, he was known for his powerful running and physicality, drawing comparisons to Jonah Lomu.
North also faced several injury setbacks, including a six-month break in 2015 after a series of head blows. He has always maintained that he took the best medical advice and never risked his health. 'There are players out there who have had a lot more than me,' he told the Guardian in 2022.
In a video posted on X, North said: '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. The next chapter? Still working on that one, but I'm excited to see where that journey takes me.' He leaves the game with his wife Becky James and their two children.
