Welsh rugby legend George North has today announced his retirement from rugby at the end of the season. He has had issues with concussions and injuries in the last few years, and has decided that now is the right time for him. You can see his statement video here.
An illustrious career
North made his Wales debut as a teenager in 2010, after playing for Scarlets. North player 121 times for Wales, and is the third highest cap holder. He is also Wales’ second highest try scorer with 47. He became Wales’ youngest ever try scorer, on his debut against South Africa, at 18 years and 214 days old. At 19 years and 166 days old, he became the youngest ever World Cup try scorer. He is the first welshman to play in four World Cup Quarter-Finals.
In club rugby, his career started at Scarlets, before a move to Northampton Saints in 2013. He then returned to Wales on a national dual contract with Ospreys. There he stayed for five years before moving to play for French Pro D2 club Provence. However, injuries have meant that he has only played 16 times for the club.
North is also the youngest Welsh player to 50 caps (23y 138d), the World’s youngest player to win 100 caps (28y 320 d) and he is the fifth Welshman to play 50 games in the Six Nations. He won four Six Nations titles, two of which were Grand Slams, a Premiership title and the Amlin Challenge Cup with Northampton Saints. He also toured with the British and Irish Lions to Australia in 2013 and to New Zealand in 2017. He retired from international rugby in 2024.
“Live out my childhood dream”
North said in his retirement video, “Hi guys, I just want to come on here and let you know at the end of the season I will be retiring. For me, it is the right time. I have been able to live out my childhood dream for many seasons, playing with some of the best players, coaches, and the staff behind.
“Now, I can’t thank my family, my friends and you guys enough for the support you have shown me over the years. Honestly, it’s meant the world to me. The next chapter, yeah, I am still working on that one, but I am excited to see where that journey takes me. So, again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Diolch.”
