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The Welsh rugby legend was tearful as he brought the curtain down on his glittering career
An emotional George North broke down in tears during a post-match interview after playing the final game of his professional career.
The Welsh rugby legend – who made 121 appearances for the national side, won four Six Nations titles and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions – brought down the curtain on his glittering career on Saturday as he represented the Barbarians in a clash with Steve Tandy’s side.
Having been brought on as a replacement early in the second half to cheers and applause from the Twickenham crowd, North made an immediate impact as he powered through the Welsh defence to score a try less than two minutes after entering the field of play.
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He then followed it up with a second try 10 minutes from time as the invitational side closed the gap to two points in a game that Wales ultimately won 33-31.
To cap off a fine performance – which saw him awarded the Player of the Match award – North even converted Santiago Arata’s last-minute try before being embraced by both sets of players at the full-time whistle.
On an emotional day, North was not afraid to let it show as he spoke to S4C after the game.
“I was hoping for three tries,” he joked as he reflected on the match. “I thought my final international game had been, then I got a phone call from Robbie [Deans].
“He asked me how the body was. I jumped at the opportunity when he offered it. I’m feeling very emotional.
“I wasn’t really ready when I came on,” the 34-year-old added. “Before I knew it, I was scoring a try.”
North was supported by his family, including his wife Becky, in the stands at Twickenham and he struggled to compose himself as he reflected on the last few months and the support he has received throughout his career.
“It’s been a very difficult year,” he said as he tried to find the words. “I thought I’d already played my last game.”
As S4C presenter Sarra Elgan reminded him of his immense contribution to Welsh rugby, it all became too much for North as tears started to flow.
Fighting to regain his composure, he was comforted by Elgan, who reached over to hug him.
“It’s given me everything,” said North as he soldiered on. “I didn’t think there was much chance, growing up in Anglesey. I had to fight every day for my success, but I would change nothing.”
As he was congratulated by former teammates Stephen Jones and Ken Owens at the end of the interview, North was then seeing wiping away tears and he walked over to the crowd to sign autographs.
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