STATEMENT: George North confirms he will retire this weekend - Ruck

STATEMENT: George North confirms he will retire this weekend

Welsh rugby stalwart George North has declared his exit from the international stage following the forthcoming Six Nations clash on Saturday.

The fixture against Italy will mark North’s 121st and final appearance for Wales.

At 31, North stands as Wales’ third-most-capped player, trailing only Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins.

While bidding adieu to international duties, North will persist in club rugby, as he gears up to join French outfit Provence for the 2024-25 season, departing from Ospreys.

He wrote: “After 14 years representing my country, I’ve made the decision to conclude my international career following the game on Saturday. It feels like the appropriate moment to step away, and I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences I’ve had wearing the Welsh shirt and sharing the field with remarkable teammates.

“Living my dream has been an immense privilege, and I’m eager to embark on the next chapter. To everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, thank you sincerely. Diolch, George.”

His retirement announcement adds to a series of recent exits from the Welsh squad, including notable figures such as Jones, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar, and Leigh Halfpenny.

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7 rugby legends you didn’t realise were still playing…

For fans of a certain age, it’s distressing to see the emergence of rugby players who were born in the 2000s.

It’s a reminder that you’re much older than you think, and that you’ve probably missed your chance to turn pro.

Below, we have rounded up five internationals that we are certain you will be surprised to learn are still playing. 

Did we miss anybody particularly noteworthy? Make sure you let us know in the comments below. 

#1. Phil Vickery (England)

  • Age: 46
  • Total caps:78
  • Last appearance: vs New Zealand (June 2014)

The World Cup-winning tighthead has played in four or five charity games this season and doesn’t appear to have lost a step.

He retired with 73 England caps and five Test appearances for the Lions, three of them against Australia in 2001 and two versus the Springboks in 2009.Advertisement

Although he missed the 2003 Grand Slam campaign through injury, Vickery returned to play a key role in England’s World Cup triumph in Australia.



#2. Dan Carter (New Zealand)

The All Black legend played a match for his childhood club Southbridge last month, scoring 12 points for his boyhood side. He played the full 80 minutes and scored six of his seven kicks at goal as his side beat West Melton 54-14. Following the game, Carter revealed he intends to play a bigger part at his local club moving forward.

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