Wales great North to retire from rugby

Breaking news from the world of sport: Wales great North to retire from rugby Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency Image caption, George North won four Six Nations titles with Wales Published 29 April 2026 275 Comments Wales great George North has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of this season. North, who turned 34 earlier this month, called time on his international career in 2024 having won 121 caps and scored 47 tries for his country. He helped Wales win four Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams.

The wing or centre also toured with British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, playing three Tests and scoring two tries. Former Scarlets, Northampton Saints and Ospreys player North has spent the past two seasons playing for French second-tier side Provence. "For me, it's the right time," North said in a video on social media.

Match Details

, external "I have been able to live out my childhood dream for many seasons, playing with some of the best players, coaches and staff behind . " North exploded onto the Test scene as an 18 year-old, scoring twice on debut against world champions South Africa in 2010 as Wales' youngest ever try scorer. He would go on become Wales' third most-capped men's player, behind Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins, while only Shane Williams has scored more tries for his country.

Record-breaker The following year he played in the first of four World Cups, where he became the youngest try scorer in the tournament's history at 19 years and 166 days. He would go on to become the first Welshman to play in four World Cup quarter-finals and became the youngest player in international rugby to win 100 caps . North spent most of his international career on the wing before switching to centre under Wayne Pivac for the 2021 Six Nations, in which he claimed a fourth title.

There were challenges in his illustrious career, most notably his much-publicised issues with concussions . Image source, Getty Images Image caption, One of North's most famous moments came during the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia when he ran with Israel Folau on his shoulder After establishing himself at Scarlets, North joined Northampton in 2013, winning the Premiership title and the European Challenge Cup a year later. He returned to Wales in 2018 on a national dual contract with Ospreys before leaving for Provence amid financial uncertainty in Welsh rugby.

Reactions and Expectations

His spell in France has not been helped by injury. Having suffered a ruptured Achilles in his final Wales game, against Italy in March 2024, he did not make his Provence debut until January 2025. He has made 16 appearances for Provence, four of which have come this season.

North, who is married to former world champion sprint cyclist Becky James, said he is "still working on" on what the next chapter will be in his stellar career. "But I am excited to see where that journey takes me," he added.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.