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The Painful End of an Era: George North’s International Rugby Retirement
The sight of a battered and bruised George North using crutches and with his foot in a protective boot in the Principality Stadium mixed zone on Saturday night encapsulated the despair and disappointment of Wales’ dismal Six Nations campaign. As the only player, aside from captain Dafydd Jenkins, to face the media after their final match against Italy, which resulted in the Six Nations wooden spoon, North deserved immense credit for his honesty and accountability.
“People don’t always get the fairytale ending they want,” North reflected on his final 80 minutes before Test retirement, a far cry from the triumphant conclusion one of the all-time Welsh greats deserved. The 31-year-old centre’s illustrious international career came to a sad and premature end, not only due to a worrying Achilles injury, but also a chastening defeat.
While the 26-23 scoreline against Italy suggested a narrow home loss, the reality was that the gulf between the sides was far more substantial. Gonzalo Quesada’s Azzurri were a class above Warren Gatland’s men, consigning Wales to their first Six Nations wooden spoon since 2003. Gatland’s admission that Wales have now hit “rock bottom” underscored the dire state of the national team.
Gatland’s offer to resign, which was rejected by Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney, was the main headline, but it may have distracted from the broader criticism of the coaching staff. Reports suggest several Wales players have been unimpressed with the coaching they have received during the championship, with some believing the quality at domestic Premiership level surpasses that of the national setup.
“It’s rubbish at the moment,” North said. “You have to get through this bit to get to the good bit.” The 105-cap veteran urged the public to “keep believing” in the team, insisting that the “talent is immense” and that they are “not too far away from clicking.”
While Wales enter a period of soul-searching, Italy’s resurgence under new head coach Quesada has been remarkable. After a dismal World Cup campaign, the Azzurri have beaten Scotland and Wales and drawn with France this season, showcasing a potent mix of strong defense and attacking flair.
“We’ve put in the hard work to take Italian rugby from where it was to where it is now and we’re reaping the rewards,” said winger Monty Ioane. “But it doesn’t stop here. Two wins don’t make a team.”
The contrast between the fortunes of Wales and Italy could not be starker, and the WRU’s upcoming review into the country’s professional game could not be more timely. As the curtain falls on the illustrious career of a Welsh icon, the national team must now confront the harsh realities of their current predicament and embark on a crucial rebuilding process.
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