George North brought the curtain down on one of rugby’s greatest careers in perfect fashion, scoring two tries for the Barbarians against Wales in his final professional appearance.
The 121-cap Welsh legend leaves the game as one of the greatest players his country has ever produced. But away from the pitch, North has built a life and career that many supporters may not know about.
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Here are 15 facts about the Wales great.
1. He signed off with two tries
North couldn’t have scripted a better farewell, crossing twice for the Barbarians against Wales before kicking the final conversion of the match.
2. He scored twice on his Wales debut
Aged just 18, North announced himself to the rugby world with two tries against South Africa in Cardiff in 2010.
3. He became the youngest player to reach 100 Test caps
North earned his 100th international cap at just 28 years old, becoming the youngest player in rugby history to reach the milestone.
4. He’s Wales’ second-highest try scorer
Only Shane Williams has scored more tries for Wales than North, who finished his international career with 47 Test tries.
5. He won four Six Nations titles
North helped Wales lift the championship four times, including Grand Slam-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2019.
6. He played in four Rugby World Cups
From his debut tournament in 2011 through to France 2023, North represented Wales at four World Cups and reached two semi-finals.
7. He won the Premiership with Northampton Saints
North was a key part of Northampton Saints’ famous 2013-14 campaign, helping the club win the Premiership title.
8. He successfully reinvented himself
After making his name as one of the world’s most destructive wingers, North switched to outside centre later in his career and enjoyed a successful second act.
9. He has already built a business empire
North has always believed players should prepare for life after rugby. He is a co-owner of Baffle Haus, a hugely popular motorcycle-inspired café and lifestyle brand that has become a destination for riders, car enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. He has also invested in the rapidly expanding Ground Bakery chain, which now has multiple sites across South Wales. Rather than waiting until retirement, North has spent years building businesses alongside his rugby career.
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10. He’s married to an Olympic medallist
North’s wife is Becky James, the former Team GB cyclist who won two Olympic silver medals and multiple world championship titles.
11. He was born in England
Despite becoming a Welsh icon, North was born in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, before moving to Anglesey with his family as a young child.
12. He’s a fluent Welsh speaker
Growing up on Anglesey and attending Welsh-language schools means North speaks Welsh fluently.
13. He changed the conversation around concussion
Having suffered several high-profile head injuries during his career, North became one of the sport’s strongest voices on concussion awareness and player welfare.
14. He always planned for life after rugby
North has often encouraged younger players to have interests outside rugby, saying a business, studies or another passion can provide a vital focus when a playing career eventually comes to an end.
15. His final game fulfilled a lifelong ambition
Playing for the Barbarians had always been on North’s bucket list. To score twice against Wales in his farewell match made it a fitting end to one of the finest careers the game has seen.
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