George North to Play Final Professional Game for Barbarians
George North, the retiring rugby star, will make his final professional appearance for the Barbarians in a match against Wales at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
The 34-year-old announced in April that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season. He will conclude his distinguished career with his first-ever appearance for the Barbarians on Saturday, 27 June, with kickoff scheduled for 14:00 BST.
"It's always been a dream of mine to play for the Barbarians so to be invited now, for a game at Twickenham, against Wales is incredible," said North.
North ended his international career in 2024, having earned 121 caps and scored 47 tries for Wales. During his tenure, he contributed to Wales securing four Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams.
Primarily playing as a wing or centre, North also toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, participating in three Test matches and scoring two tries.
His club career includes stints with Scarlets, Northampton Saints, and Ospreys. In the last two seasons, he has played for the French second-tier club Provence.
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George North previously played for Wales in November 2023 in a match against the Barbarians, who were captained on that occasion by Alun Wyn Jones.
North will join the Barbarians squad in London next week after the invitational side faces South Africa on Saturday.
The match between Wales and the Barbarians at Twickenham will be part of a double-header event, with the men's game kicking off at 14:00 BST followed by the women's game at 17:00 BST.
In the previous encounter between Wales men and the Barbarians, held after the 2023 World Cup, Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric received a farewell from the Welsh crowd as they played for the invitational side at the Principality Stadium.
This time, George North will be one of the headline players.
"I have been privileged to enjoy the career I have had, and I have so many unforgettable memories from Wales and friendships to last a lifetime," said North.
"So to go out against my country, with some of my friends and teammates playing is so special.
"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.
"I can't wait to link up with the boys next week and hopefully we can do something special."
The Barbarians fixture will serve as a warm-up for Wales' Nations Championship Tests against Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa scheduled for July.
