North announces retirement from Test rugby
Written by I Dig SportsWales centre George North has announced he will retire from international rugby after the Six Nations on Saturday.
The home game against Italy will be his 121st and final Wales appearance.
North, 31, is Wales' third most capped player in history behind only Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins.
He will continue playing club rugby having announced he will move from Ospreys to French side Provence for the 2024-25 season.
North is the latest Wales player to announce his retirement within the last year following Jones, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny.
North had initially said he wanted to continue his international career despite his club move to France.
He stated in November 2023 he had no intention to quit Wales and gave no indication in February 2024 of this decision before his 50th Six Nations game against England.
However, Wales head coach Warren Gatland said he held "honest discussions" with North about how he could get through to a potential fifth World Cup.
North was not selected for the opening match against Scotland as he recovered from a knee injury, although he was fit for selection.
He returned to start against England and Ireland before being dropped for the defeat by France last weekend.
North has been recalled for this weekend's final match of the campaign with Wales looking to avoid finishing bottom for the first time since 2003.
"I have decided that the game on Saturday will bring my international career to an end," said North.
"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 am very lucky to have lived my dream. I'm excited for the next chapter. Thank you for all the support over the years."
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