George North is hanging up his boots, but not before one last run in a jersey he’s wanted to wear his whole life. The Barbarians confirmed this week that North will suit up for the legendary invitational side when they face Wales next Saturday at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. That game will be his final professional fixture.
North announced earlier this year that he’d retire at the end of the current season, capping off a career that saw him earn 121 Test caps for Wales, win four Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams, and go on two British and Irish Lions tours (2013 and 2017). He also won a Premiership title and an EPCR Challenge Cup with Northampton. Not bad for a guy who started out as a teenage winger at Scarlets.
But the Barbarians invite? That one hit different.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play for the Barbarians,” North said. “So to be invited now, for a game at Twickenham, against Wales is just incredible. I have been so privileged to enjoy the career that I have had, and I have so many unforgettable memories from Wales and friendships to last a lifetime. So to go out against my country, with some of my friends and teammates playing is so special.”
North joins a growing list of rugby icons — Sam Whitelock, George Kruis, others — who used the Barbarians as their final curtain call. It makes sense. The Baa-Baas have always been about celebrating the game, not grinding through another season. For a guy who put his body through hell for Wales and the Lions, this is about enjoying one last run with a group of elite players from all over the world.
The squad he’ll link up with next week is loaded. TJ Perenara, Duhan van der Merwe, Virimi Vakatawa, Tomás Albornoz. North will join them after the Barbarians play South Africa in Gqeberha earlier in the week. That group should have plenty of attacking firepower, and North will likely slide into the midfield or out wide depending on how they want to use him.
“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,” North added. “I can’t wait to link up with the boys next week and hopefully we can do something special.”
North’s career has spanned more than a decade, and he’s been a constant presence in Welsh rugby through ups and downs. He arrived as this freakishly athletic kid from Anglesey who could run through defenders and score from anywhere. He leaves as a veteran who adapted his game, shifted to center, and kept producing even when his body started pushing back. Four Six Nations titles, two Grand Slams, two Lions tours. That’s a hell of a resume.
Tickets for the double-header — Barbarians vs. Wales and a women’s match — are on sale starting at £20 for adults and £10 for kids. If you’re in London next weekend, it might be worth the trip. You don’t often get to see a legend say goodbye on his own terms.
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