Wales legend George North has confirmed he will retire from rugby at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career at 34.
North earned 121 caps for Wales national rugby union team and featured on two tours with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, famously scoring a try against the Australia national rugby union team that remains a standout Lions moment.
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and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.At club level, he represented the Scarlets, Northampton Saints and Ospreys, building a reputation as one of the game’s most powerful backs. His form in Wales earned him a move to Franklin’s Gardens, where he spent five years before returning to the Ospreys.
He later moved to France to play for Provence Rugby, having stepped away from Test rugby in 2024. His switch to the Pro D2 side was delayed after suffering a serious Achilles injury in his final appearance for Wales.
North first made headlines as a teenager, debuting for Wales at just 18 and becoming the youngest player to score a try on debut for his country.
Announcing his decision in a social media post, he said:
“Hi guys, just wanted to come on here and let you know at the end of the season I'll be retiring.
For me, it's the right time. 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.
I can't thank my family, my friends and you guys enough for the support you've shown me over the years.
Honestly, it's meant the world to me.
The next chapter? Yeah, still working on that one but I'm excited to see where that journey takes me.
So again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you and diolch.”
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