CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Wales center George North ruptured an Achilles in his last rugby test and was out for the rest of the season.
North limped off with two minutes remaining as Wales lost to Italy 24-21 on Saturday and was whitewashed in the Six Nations for the first time in 21 years.
He had already announced it would be his 121st and last test for Wales.
“Ospreys can confirm that George North will miss the remainder of the season following surgery on a ruptured achilles injury sustained whilst playing for Wales v Italy,” his Ospreys club posted on X, formerly Twitter. “We’d like to thank George for his time at the club and wish him the best for the future.”
North, 32 next month, will join French second-tier club Provence next season on a two-year deal.
“Not everyone gets the fairy tale ending,” he wrote on X. “A ruptured achilles wasn’t the way I wanted to bow out of International rugby. Still I have loved every second. Can’t thank everyone enough for the support and kind messages. On the recovery train now.”
Following his test debut in 2010, North also played three tests for the British and Irish Lions, won the Six Nations four times, and played in four Rugby World Cups.
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