Wales great George North to retire after wooden spoon decider against Italy in Six Nations

George North is a Wales and Lions great – PA/Andrew Matthews

George North will retire from international rugby after Wales’ Six Nations wooden spoon decider against Italy on Saturday.

The centre, 31, will make his final appearance for Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and said: “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.”

North made the surprise announcement after he was named in the Wales team by Warren Gatland.

Capped 120 times by Wales, North also toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and then New Zealand in 2017.

North carrying Israel Folau over his shoulders in 2013 is an iconic Lions moment – AFP/William West

He is Wales’ third most-capped player in history behind only Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins. Back in November, he said he had no plans to follow a string of Wales players into retirement after Jones, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny in the past year.

“I was really happy with my form in the World Cup and I’m still competing for the jersey,” North said at the time.

“I still want to play and fight for my place. For me it’s still a big driver and if the boss [Warren Gatland] keeps picking me then I want to carry on.”

Gatland said he held “honest discussions” with North over his plans to feature at a fifth World Cup, though he was not selected for Wales Six Nations opener against Scotland. He returned to start against England and Ireland but was dropped for the defeat to France last weekend.

Wales are looking to avoid finishing last in the Six Nations for the first time since 2003.

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