'Welsh Lomu' George North to retire at the end of the season

British and Irish Lions and Wales winger George North has announced he is to retire at the end of this season.

Due to injuries and age catching up with him, North has only appeared four times for Provence in his second season at the French Pro D2 club.

North, 34, hasn’t sorted out an alternative career just yet, but says he’s “excited to see where that journey takes me.’

Speaking on X, North said:  “Hi guys, I just want to come on here and let you know at the end of the season I will be retiring.

“For me, it is the right time. I have 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 you guys enough for the support you have shown me over the years. Honestly, it’s meant the world to me.

“The next chapter, yeah, I am still working on that one, but I am excited to see where that journey takes me.

“So, again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Diolch.”

Over and out 😘 pic.twitter.com/1dCVN6wIqM

— George North (@George_North) April 29, 2026

Described as the ‘Welsh Lomu’ when he first burst onto the Test arena as an 18-year-old because of his size, power and pace, North went on to break many records in a highly decorated career.

Aged 18 years 214 days, he became the youngest-ever player to score a try on his debut for Wales when he touched for the first of his two tries with just six minutes gone against South Africa in 2010.

A year later, he became the youngest player to score a try at a Men’s Rugby World Cup, aged just 19 years and 166 days.

In a golden period for Wales, North was a two-time Grand Slam winner, and toured with the Lions on two occasions, in 2013 and 2017, famously picking up and dumping Israel Folau in the series against Australia.

An automatic selection for the majority of his career, North was the youngest player to reach both 50 caps (aged 22) and 100 caps (aged 28) before finishing on 121 appearances for his country.

North’s tally of 47 tries makes him Wales’ second-highest try scorer of all time behind Shane Williams.

In club rugby, North began his career with Scarlets and joined Northampton Saints in 2013, where he won the Premiership.

The wing, who played centre later in his career, made the move to Ospreys in 2018, spending five years there before joining French side Provence.