George North will bid an emotional farewell to international rugby against Italy in Cardiff, as Wales seek to avoid their first Six Nations whitewash in more than 20 years.
Wales were accustomed to Six Nations success under Warren Gatland’s first coaching tenure, which lasted from 2007 to 2019, winning four trophies, including three Grand Slams. However, Wales finished sixth last season when Gatland replaced fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac.
If Wales fails to beat Italy at the Principality Stadium, they would finish last in the competition for the first time since 2003, when another New Zealander, Steve Hansen, was in charge.
If Wales loses, it will have lost all five Six Nations matches in a row, the first time this has happened since that disastrous campaign 21 years ago.
North announced his retirement minutes after Gatland recalled the 31-year-old centre on Wednesday following Wales’ 45-24 setback at home to France the previous weekend.