By David Williams
Wales centre George North has announced that he will retire from international rugby after Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy.
The 31-year-old, who has won 120 caps, has been recalled to the Wales team for what is a wooden-spoon decider.
It’s another unexpected twist in what has been an eventful tournament for Wales, who have failed to win a game and struggled to overcome previous retirement decisions made both before and after last year’s World Cup.
North wrote on X: “I’ve decided that the game on Saturday will bring my international career to an end.
“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 team-mates.”
“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.”
And that’s me pic.twitter.com/qFRrhA2wHK
— George North (@George_North) March 13, 2024
He will continue playing club rugby having announced he will move from Ospreys to French side Provence for the 2024-25 season.
The former Scarlets and Northampton player gave no indication he was considering quitting Test rugby earlier in the tournament and suggested he might go on towards what would have been a fifth World Cup.
But he was left out of the team to face France last week after also missing out on selection for the opening match of the tournament against Scotland.
North made his international debut for Wales at the 2010 end-of-year Tests and has won 120 caps for his country.
North has been recalled to the Wales team for what is a wooden-spoon decider against Italy on Saturday.
He was omitted from the starting line-up in Wales’ 45-24 defeat to France and replaces Joe Roberts, with his fellow centre Nick Tompkins returning instead of Owen Watkin.
@George_North you Sir are a Legend!
And will be sorely missed.
Good luck in future.— Mark “Ledge” Hughes (@martynl36838739) March 13, 2024
In an international career spanning 14 years, 120 cap North is third on the all-time list of men’s most capped players behind Alun Wyn Jones (158) and Gethin Jenkins (129).
North is second on the list of all-time men’s try scorers for Wales with 47, behind Shane Williams (58), and will be hoping to add to that tally in his final outing in a red jersey against the Italy on the weekend.
Wales senior men’s head coach Warren Gatland said: “George has contributed hugely to Welsh rugby, in an incredible career starting as an 18-year-old.
“The way that he burst onto the scene. I can remember seeing him play and thinking we need to cap this kid.
“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.”