Wales legend George North has announced his retirement from rugby, revealing he chose to end his career on his own terms after witnessing friends have their careers cut short. North, 34, will play his final match for the Barbarians against Wales this weekend, having initially feared his last professional appearance had already passed.
George North's Poignant Retirement Admission
North, who has not played since February for French side Provence, told RugbyPass: "I still feel good, I can still compete, but I'm starting to creak. Mentally I'm in a good spot. But I'm 34 now, I turned professional at 17 and I've been on the go ever since. With my young family, I've had enough time missing things that were important."
The 121-cap international added: "Enough of my friends have had rugby taken away from them; there's something quite nice about calling it on my own terms. When I left home at 16, if you'd have said I'd achieve what I have, I'd have thought you were drunk or crazy or crazily drunk. It's been absolutely incredible."
North retires as one of the greatest players in Welsh rugby history, having won two Six Nations Grand Slams, toured twice with the British and Irish Lions, and scored 47 tries for Wales.
Cardiff Rugby Signs Tonga International Semisi Paea
Cardiff Rugby has continued its recruitment drive by signing Tonga international Semisi Paea on a long-term contract. The 27-year-old forward arrives from Moana Pasifika, becoming Cardiff's third summer signing after Scott Sio and Le Roux Malan.
Standing at 6ft 4in and weighing 18 stone, Paea brings a formidable physical presence and versatility, capable of playing in the second row and across the back row. The 10-cap Tonga international has built a reputation for athleticism and work-rate, having played for Bay of Plenty, Moana Pasifika, and American side New Jersey Free Jacks.
Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl said: "We're really pleased that Semisi is joining Cardiff. Semisi's physicality and work-rate are the standout attributes, but he takes nothing for granted and we were really impressed after meeting him. He can slot into the second-row and back-row and has played a good amount of rugby. It's also clear that his individual goals and values align closely with that of the club."
Paea made his international debut for Tonga in 2021 and has earned 10 caps. He follows a long line of Tongan players to represent Cardiff. "This is an exciting new chapter in my rugby journey and I am thrilled to be joining such a well-respected club as Cardiff," he said. "I'm really grateful for the opportunity and I am ready to give my absolute all for the club."
Rassie Erasmus Compares Henry Pollock to Siya Kolisi
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has compared England rising star Henry Pollock to Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, a significant endorsement. Pollock, 21, heads into England's Nations Championship clash with the Springboks in red-hot form after a player-of-the-match display in Northampton Saints' Premiership final victory over Exeter Chiefs.
Erasmus said: "He's like Siya. People make a big deal about certain players, but I don't always think the players themselves want that attention. What counts is what they do on the field, and recently, he's been doing that. If I were coaching him, I'd only look at his output, and that has been exceptional."
Kolisi is one of the most respected figures in world rugby, having captained South Africa to two World Cup titles. Erasmus also warned that England will provide a stern test: "It's a very competitive squad and we know we'll have to work really hard against them at Ellis Park next week if we want to get a win."
Pollock has previously attracted headlines for his confrontational antics. He said: "People can talk all they want. I have always said in my career, I don't listen to outside noise, I don't listen to people's opinion. I am very much locked into my role and my team, and what I need to do for the team and the coaches. And you can have all these opinions about me, and everything like that, but I am just trying to focus on what I do. At the end of the day, it's white noise. It doesn't matter to me, it doesn't go into my brain. We'll win trophies, I guess."
World Cup-winning flanker Schalk Burger previously said of Pollock: "He's a TikTok dancer or whatever he is and he plays a bit of rugby on the weekend." Pollock may face a frosty reception at Ellis Park on July 5.
Ospreys Prop Cam Jones Signs New Deal
Promising Ospreys prop Cam Jones has signed a new contract with the region. The 24-year-old, 6ft 4in front-rower is a product of the Ospreys academy system and has made 12 senior appearances. He has also gained experience with Swansea RFC in the Super Rygbi Cymru competition.
Jones said: "This is my hometown club so I'm really happy to be staying here. I came through the academy here and have come a long way since then, so it's great to have the opportunity to continue my career here. The next step for me now is to keep pushing on and get as much time in the black jersey as I can next season."
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones said: "Cam is a player we have high hopes for as a coaching staff. He has all the potential to be a top-quality player and if he can push on and take those next steps, I have no doubt that he will achieve that."
