George North to retire at season's end

Wales great George North has confirmed he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season. The 34-year-old announced the decision in a video on X, saying it felt like the right time and thanking family, friends, teammates and supporters for their backing.

North made his Wales debut as a teenager in 2010. He began his senior career with the Scarlets before signing for Northampton Saints in 2013, where he was part of a Premiership-winning squad. He moved to the Ospreys in 2018 and spent five seasons there, later joining French side Provence.

He retired from international rugby in 2024 having earned 121 caps for Wales and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions. North ranks third on Wales' all-time men's appearances list, and his 47 tries place him second on the men's list of try scorers for his country.

In his video message he said: "Hi guys, I just want 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 — 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. Diolch."

North leaves a record of sustained excellence at both club and international level and will be remembered as one of Wales' leading backs of his generation.