North to bid farewell for Barbarians against Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

• Published3 hours ago

Retiring great George North will play his final professional game for the Barbarians against Wales at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.

The 34-year-old, who announced in April he will retire at the end of this season, will finish his glittering career with a first Baa-Baas appearance on Saturday, 27 June (14:00 BST).

"It's always been a dream of mine to play for the Barbarians so to be invited now, for a game at Twickenham, against Wales, is incredible," he said.

North called time on his international career in 2024 having won 121 caps and scored 47 tries for his country, helping Wales win four Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams.

The wing or centre also toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, playing three Tests and scoring two tries.

After club stints with Scarlets, Northampton Saints and Ospreys, North has spent the past two seasons playing for French second-tier side Provence.

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Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

North will link up with the Barbarians squad in London next week after the invitational side have played South Africa on Saturday.

The Wales and Barbarians occasion in Twickenham will be a double-header with the men's game at 14:00 BST followed by the women's game at 17:00 BST.

On the previous occasion that Wales men faced the Barbarians, after the 2023 World Cup, Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric were given a farewell to the Welsh crowd when they lined up for the invitational side at the Principality Stadium.

This time North will be one of the headline acts.

"I have been privileged to enjoy the career I have had, and I have so many unforgettable memories from Wales and friendships to last a lifetime," said North.

"So to go out against my country, with some of my friends and team-mates playing is so special.

"To also be able to play alongside some of the best and most exciting players in the world, and to enjoy that famous Barbarians spirit is something I couldn't turn down.

"I can't wait to link up with the boys next week and hopefully we can do something special."

The Barbarians fixture is a warm-up for Wales' Nations Championship Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in July.

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