Wales vs Italy

SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024 | DYDD SADWRN 16 MAWRTH 2024
GUINNESS SIX NATIONS 2024 | WALES V ITALY | CYMRU V YR EIDAL
“It’s not been an easy decision for me,
although it feels like the right time and it’s the
best thing for me and my family,” he admitted.
“I’ve been very fortunate to live a dream not
many people get to do. And to be able to
do it at home in front of a sold-out stadium
with my family around me seems like the
best way for me to start my next chapter.
“I didn’t think this day would come - I wished
this day would never come. It was a real head
and heart conversation that bounced back
“It’s about me being able to go out on my
terms and being able to enjoy it, like I have for
every second of the last 14 years. I’m going to
use this week and Saturday to really take it all
in and to live my dream again one more time.”
North burst onto the international stage
as a teenager when he scored two tries on
his debut playing against Bryan Habana
in a game against the world champion
Springboks. Since then he has gone on to win
two Grand Slams (2012, 2019), picked up two
more Six Nations titles (2013, 2021), reached
two World Cup semi-finals (2011, 2019).
“It has always been about me being the best
I can be for Wales and wearing the three
feathers on my chest. I would hate to put on
the jersey and not do it justice,” he added.
“I’m still doing that now and it has been a hell
of a run to get here. While there is pride in
putting the jersey on, hopefully there is pride
in leaving it in a better place for the next guy.
“I’ve loved every second of it and cherished
every second of it – the highs and the lows.
And there have been plenty of them.
“The people I’ve met, the friendships
I’ve made, the coaches and teammates
I’ve met. I couldn’t have written
it better myself to be honest.”
But while he would love a fairytale ending
to his career with a win to avoid a first
Wales whitewash in the Six Nations
since 2003, he doesn’t want the game
to turn into a homage to him.
When Italy last came to Cardiff in 2022,
they upset the party for Dan Biggar’s
100th and Alun Wyn Jones’ 150th caps.
“When I spoke to the squad, I said let’s
not get weird, I asked them for nothing
to change from what we always do. We
go toe-to-toe and work as hard as we can
to get better each day,” said North.
“It’s a must-win game and the focus should
never be on one individual. We’ve got
to keep doing what’s worked well for us
and we’ve got to deliver the 80-minute
performance we know we’re capable of.
Since scoring twice on his debut, North has
gone on to score 47 times for Wales and twice
for the Lions. Try number 50 in a win over
Italy would surely be the perfect send-off. Y
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