George North won his 121st cap against Italy on the final day of the 2024 Six Nations.
An emotional George North took to the field in Welsh red for the final time today, as social media tributes poured in for the centre.
North has been an ever-present for Wales since making his debut in 2010, but he is a player loved by fans across the world.
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As the veteran lined up to sing the anthem, the significance of the moment clearly got to him as his eyes welled with tears, endearing him even further to the rugby public.
Official channels shared the video far and wide, with BBC Sport posting on X to say there was not a dry eye in the house.
Not a dry eye in the house 😢
It all got very emotional for George North before his final Test for @WelshRugbyUnion.#BBCRugby #SixNations #WALITA pic.twitter.com/vZZxvGE2Pt
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 16, 2024
Welsh rugby spaces were full of emotion too, as fans posted to say ‘diolch’ (thank you) or to offer the tearful North a ‘cwtch’ (hug).
Just want to give him a cwtch. What a player and will be missed.
— penelope the san portablo girl (@LouiseScot51918) March 16, 2024
Diolch George
George North, yn graig mor nerthol-llanc o Fôn
Yn ddraig angerddol,
Chwyrn Gymro â chais arwrol,
Bydd bwlch a cholled ar ei ôl.#GeorgeNorth pic.twitter.com/6IJDKrattM— Richard Jones🏴🇮🇪 (@EnwFi) March 16, 2024
🥺 George North getting emotional singing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau! Diolch @George_North #SixNations2024 #Wales #WalIta #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/MtK2cBqwzU
— Bethan Roberts 🌹 🏴 (@BethanRoberts06) March 16, 2024
North has represented his country since the age of 18 and scored twice on his debut against South Africa.
The winger turned centre has also won an astonishing four Six Nations championships, including two Grand Slams.
Not only that, North was part of the winning 2013 Lions tour to Australia, providing fans with memorable moments such as carrying Israel Folau back in a huge carry.
However, today he has found himself in a very different position as Wales battled to try and avoid a first wooden spoon since 2003.
Rugby Youtuber Squidge Rugby took to X to comedically point out that this would be a fitting send off for North.
To be fair, scoring Wales' only try in an atrocious, awful losing performance would be a fitting ending to George North's test career.
— Squidge Rugby (@SquidgeRugby) March 16, 2024
Things got worse as Wales went 11-0 down at half-time against Italy and some fans took to social media to express their disappointment in North’s send off.
Is this really how we will let George North go? Shambles. Sort it out! #WALvITA
— oh zoe 🏴 |☆ (@Zimoku14) March 16, 2024
It’s a shame for George North. He has played in some brilliant Welsh sides over the years but unfortunately not in his last game. I know he won’t be thinking on that but still.
— Connor Knapp (@connorKnapp19) March 16, 2024
Despite the lacklustre performance from his side, George North has been an incredible servant of the game and will be remembered as such, but fans of rugby, not just Wales, would have loved to see a better send off.
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