George North: Wales ready for one last dance with the legendary Barbarians

North deserves his farewell in that he will go down as one of Wales’ modern day greats.

Having scored two tries on his international debut as an 18-year-old in 2010, against South Africa, who had star wing Brian Habana in his wake, North has been a force on the international stage for more than a decade.

Alongside his Wales stint, he toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, playing three Tests and scoring two superb tries in the series win over Australia.

After club spells with the Scarlets, Northampton Saints and Ospreys, he has played for Provence in the highly competitive second tier of French rugby for the past two seasons.

North now says he is coming to terms with the prospect of retirement.

“It’s basically the biggest part of my life that I’ve loved and cherished,” North said.

“It took a lot from me, but it gave me more than I could ask for. The opportunities, the people, the friendships, the respect that it gave me and my family.

“It’s been the best part of me for a long time and now my wife (Becky) and the kids are obviously the best part of me.

“I think I’m in a good place now. When I get a proper stop, I’m sure there will be something to work on. A lot of my mates who are retired say it takes time.

“You’ll realize you wake up and you don’t have to put yourself in a hole when you go to train. You can train just to hold off the beer or you can train more socially than you go every day.”

North said he has been “overwhelmed” by the messages he has received since announcing his termination

“It turns out I’m not a half-bad guy and maybe did a half-decent job on the field,” North said.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to play for Wales and the career I’ve had. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

So how do you remember the answer?

“It’s a strange question,” he said.

“I want to be remembered as someone who gave it her all, loved every second and did it with a smile.”