George North has hinted at a future in rugby after signing off his playing career with two tries for the Barbarians against Wales on Saturday. The 34-year-old Wales and British & Irish Lions legend scored a brace and even kicked a conversion in a 33-31 defeat to Steve Tandy's Wales side at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
North Reflects on Emotional Farewell
North, who played just four times for Provence in his final season before retiring, admitted the match was a special end to his career. "It's been a massive honour and a privilege to have this last game," he said. "To do it in front of an away-home crowd was very special. Bagging a couple of meat pies and then kicking my first conversion in my professional career is pretty good."
The former Wales star, whose last international appearance was marred by a ruptured Achilles tendon, enjoyed a happier farewell this time. He added: "It's been a different sort of year. I thought I had already played my last game, so when I got the phone call, it was amazing to have the honour and privilege of an invitation to play for the Baa-Baas."
North's Future in Rugby
When asked about his next steps, North said: "Hopefully not much for a little bit! I think a couple of cold ones this evening, head back to Wales for a few days, and then a bit of a holiday with the family." However, he confirmed he intends to remain involved in rugby. "I think I will stay involved in rugby in some capacity down the line, though I'm not entirely sure what that looks like just yet. Rugby has given me so much for a long time," he said.
North also praised the current Wales squad: "They have an amazing chance to stamp their mark on the jersey. With Steve, the rest of the coaching team, and the squad they've got, they can really make strides."
Tandy: 'Lots to Like' About Wales Win
Wales head coach Steve Tandy expressed satisfaction with his side's performance, despite a narrow 33-31 win that saw a 16-point lead reduced to two in the final minutes. "Getting the win is great for us and then getting four boys off the bench who played high minutes against some outstanding rugby players, so that was great," said Tandy.
He highlighted the return of key players: "Getting Teddy back starting a big game since October last year, Dillon Lewis coming back in, the skipper coming back in after a long lay-off. Jac hasn't played for us since the Argentina game. So there's lots to like about the game." Tandy added that the match served as ideal preparation for Wales' upcoming Nations Championship campaign against Fiji next weekend.
Wales Women Secure Victory Over Barbarians
Wales Women also recorded a convincing 34-17 win over the Barbarians at Twickenham, their second victory under head coach Sean Lynn. An inexperienced side, mostly aged 22 or younger, impressed against the star-studded invitational team. Fly-half Kayleigh Powell opened the scoring, with wing Amy Williams adding two tries. Scrum-half Seren Lockwood also crossed, while locks Courtney Keight and Jorja Aiono sealed the win late on.
Player of the match Bryonie King said: "It's a fantastic feeling to get the win. I play with these girls that have so much ambition, so I just went and played my own game." The only concern was an injury to full-back Nel Metcalfe, who had recently returned from a knee injury.
