Anscombe – “Incredible” North A “Big Loss”
Anscombe – “Incredible” North A “Big Loss”
Wales and British and Irish Lions back George North announced that Saturday’s game against Italy will be his last in the red shirt of Wales.
North will earn his 121st and final Wales cap on the weekend against Italy after the Ospreys centre was named in Warren Gatland’s side today.
Raised in Anglesey, North burst onto the international seen as an 18-year-old scoring twice against South Africa on debut.
Since then, he has been an ever present for Wales and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions, scoring two test tries on the tour to Australia in 2018.
The 31-year-old has scored 47 tries for his country, second only to Shane Williams and will hope to add to his tally this weekend.
North has already announced that he will be joining French ProD2 side Provence at the start of next season.
Speaking on social media North said: ““I’ve decided that the game on Saturday will bring my international career to an end.
“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 teammates.
“I’ve been very lucky to have lived my dream. I’m excited for the next chapter. Thank you all for your support over the years. Diolch.”
Speaking exclusively to us, Sportin Wales co-founder Gareth Anscombe said that North “has been a foundation of the Welsh team ever since he came on the seen.”
“120 caps, the amount of tries he’s scored, he’s been a big part of the success Wales have had under Gatland.
“He’s been incredible in the Welsh jersey so it’s a big loss to the group and to Welsh rugby as a whole.”
Anscombe added: “Since I’ve been in the team from 2015 to now, he’s been there, and we’ve got to know each other pretty well as two of the elder statesmen now.
“But it’s a great experience for him to be able to go to play and live in France and for him now is the time to step away from the pressures of international rugby and enjoy the French culture with his family there.”
North will start on Saturday alongside fellow recalled centre Nick Tompkins after the two were omitted from Wales’ squad to face France last Saturday.
Wales have made a total of four changes to the team which started against France, with flanker Alex Mann also returning, while Dillon Lewis makes his first start of the championship.
Six Nations captain Dafydd Jenkins returns to the second row to resume his partnership with Adam Beard while Will Rowlands drops to the bench.
Scarlets, prop Harri O’Connor is in line to win his first Wales cap off the bench while Scarlets teammate Kemsley Matthias also returns.
Speaking on the changes Anscombe said: “I think Owen Watkins is possibly a bit unlucky as he went well and showed positive signs against France.
“Likewise Will Rowlands, as I thought it was good to have his ball-carrying ability last week, he’s been brilliant over the last few years.
“Personally, I thought the combination of him, Beard and Jenkins at six went quite well last week.
“Also, experience is important. In the last 20 mins we haven’t been playing that well recently, so there’s a bit of pressure and with a bit more inexperience on the bench they’ll be looking to come on and make an impact.”
Wales team to face Italy
Cam Winnett; Josh Adams, George North, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dyer; Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Elliott Dee, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins (capt.), Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Matthias, Harri O’Connor, Will Rowlands, Mackenzie Martin, Kieran Hardy, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady.