Welsh rugby star George North has announced his retirement from international rugby following Saturday’s Six Nations match against Italy. The 31-year-old, who has earned an impressive 120 caps, took to social media to reveal that after 14 years, he felt it was the right time to step away from the international stage.
North, who is the third-most capped player for Wales, also holds the title of the second all-time leading try scorer for the country. In an emotional statement, North expressed that while the decision was difficult, he wanted to leave on his own terms and savor his final game.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland commended North for his contributions to Welsh rugby, both on and off the field. In a bid to secure a victory against Italy, Gatland has made several changes to the starting line-up, including North and Nick Tompkins returning in place of Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin.
Despite Wales’s struggles in the Six Nations thus far, with all four games resulting in losses, Gatland remains hopeful that the team’s revamped lineup will be able to clinch a win against Italy. North’s retirement marks the end of an era for Welsh rugby, as fans and players alike bid farewell to a true legend of the game.
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