George North has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.

The 34 year-old, who grew up on Anglesey, bows out as Wales' most-capped men's back after winning two Grand Slams and four Six Nations titles, scoring 47 tries and making 121 appearances for his country, before retiring from Test rugby two years ago.

He also played at four World Cups and appeared on two tours with the British and Irish Lions, playing in all three Tests and scoring twice in their 2013 series win over Australia.

At club level, North has played for Scarlets, Northampton Saints, Ospreys, and since 2024, French club Provence, where he has made four appearances so far this season.

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Announcing his retirement on social media, he said: "I just wanted to let you know that at the end of the season I’ll be retiring. For me, it’s the right time."

"I’ve been able to live out my childhood dream for many seasons, playing with some of the best players, coaches and the staff behind." 

"Now I can’t thank my family, my friends and [the fans] enough for the support you’ve shown me over the years. Honestly, it’s meant the world to me."

"The next chapter, yeah, still working on that one but I’m excited to see where that journey takes me. So again, from the bottom of my heart thank you. Diolch."

Originally from Kings Lynn in Norfolk, North - whose mother is from Anglesey - moved to the island when he was just two years old and attended Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern, while playing at junior level for Llangefni, Pwllheli and Rhyl.

He switched from second row to outside centre and played for Wales at youth level while studying at Llandovery College.

North came through the academy ranks at Scarlets, where he made his pro debut in September 2010, scoring two tries against Benetton Treviso.

Two months later, he made his Wales debut at the age of 18 by scoring two tries against South Africa in their autumn Test defeat in Cardiff.

North, the third-youngest player in Wales men's history, went onto make his World Cup debut the following year, becoming the tournament's youngest try-scorer with a brace against Namibia.

In 2012, he appeared in all five games as Warren Gatland's men clinched the first of two Grand Slams at the Six Nations.

In 2013, he moved to Northampton and won the Premiership title and the European Challenge Cup in his first season. He went onto make 90 appearances and score 190 points during his five years with the Saints.

At international level, North continued breaking records, becoming the youngest player to win 50, and later, 100 international caps. He was also top scorer at the 2016 Six Nations with four tries.

North returned to Wales in 2018 after signing a dual contract with the WRU, which saw him make the move to Ospreys, before winning his second Grand Slam the following year.

He joined Provence on a two-year contract in 2024, but did not make his debut until the following January, after rupturing his Achilles in his final game before retiring from international rugby - a Six Nations defeat against Italy.