The 34-year-old, who stepped away from international rugby in 2024 after earning 121 caps and scoring 47 tries for Wales, leaves behind a legacy that includes four Six Nations titles, two Grand Slams and two tours with the British & Irish Lions.
In a message shared on social media, North explained his decision in typically understated fashion.
“Hi guys, I just want to come on here and let you know 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.
“I can’t thank my family, my friends and you guys enough for the support you’ve shown me over the years.
“Honestly it’s meant the world to me. The next chapter? 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.”
READ MORE: George North To Make His 121st Cap For Wales His Last One After 14 Years
North’s career must rank as one of the greatest in Welsh rugby.
His considerable impact has spanned more than 16 years at the top level, beginning with Scarlets before a successful spell with Northampton Saints, where he won both the Premiership and the European Challenge Cup.
He later returned to Wales with the Ospreys and has spent the past two seasons with French side Provence Rugby.
On the international stage, North’s impact was immediate and historic. He scored twice on debut against South Africa in 2010, becoming Wales’ youngest try-scorer, and a year later set another record as the youngest player to cross the line at a Rugby World Cup.
Over time, he would become the third most-capped Welsh men’s player and second only to Shane Williams in the all-time try-scoring charts.
He also featured in four World Cups and became the first Welshman to appear in four quarter-finals, underlining both his longevity and consistency at the elite level.
READ MORE: George North . . . The Long Road Back To Another World Cup With Wales After 12-Year Journey
Despite injury setbacks in recent years — including a ruptured Achilles that delayed his debut for Provence — North’s influence on the game has remained significant, both on and off the field.
Now, as he prepares to step away, he does so having fulfilled the ambition he once set as a young player — a point he reiterated in his farewell.
"For me, it's 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 staff behind [the scenes]."
North leaves the sport as one of Wales’ modern greats, his career defined by power, adaptability and remarkable durability — and with his next chapter still to be written.
