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Rugby legend George North believes Warren Gatland is still the right man to lead Wales.
Gatland and Co are hoping to secure Wales’ first win at Test level since they defeated Georgia 43-19 at the World Cup in 2023.
Wales suffered a disastrous 2024, losing every single Test, and Gatland has kept his job after a review conducted by the WRU.
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North was part of Gatland’s golden generation, making his debut in 2010, before going on to have a stunning career at the highest level. He retired from international rugby after the last Six Nations, bowing out following an injury against Italy, where Wales lost.
Since concluding his international career, North has moved from Ospreys to France, where he now plays for Provence Rugby. The iconic centre/wing recently spoke to AFP about Gatland.
“I have a lot of confidence in Gats and I’m probably biased because of the years I spent working with him,” explained North.
“International rugby is a brutal place and if you’re not on your money straight away, it’s tough.”
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With the return of Test match stars Taulupe Faletau, Liam Williams and Josh Adams to the Wales squad, North is confident the momentum can be swung.
“There’s a bit more balance than we had previously,” continued North.
“Having Taulupe back is brilliant, Liam Williams brings that experience at the back and Josh, looking at his form for Cardiff, is finding his feet.”
Speaking about his move to Provence, which borders Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, the former Northampton Saints star explained just how much he has taken to life in the south of France.
“I sip on rose all day,” he joked. “My wife and my two boys are really enjoying the lifestyle and the different culture. It’s really good to get involved and get stuck into learning French.”
North made his debut for Provence against Agen, playing a part from the replacements’ bench in a 17-10 victory away from home. It was his first match in almost a year.
Speaking after the match, head coach Maricio Reggiardo said: “He communicated a lot when he came on. Particularly on our defensive and offensive positioning.
“I am lucky to train a great player. He must be in the top three of the best players that I have been able to train. He is very easy to coach. He is a great professional, a guy who has incredible humility. After four months, he learned French and he encourages all the foreigners to speak the language. At the end of training, he keeps the youngsters to work on skills. It is a big added value in rugby and in team life.
“It’s a pleasure to have a player like that. When you recruit a ‘world-class’ [player], that he comes with a lot of humility to give the maximum, it’s just too easy for a coach. And it’s only a benefit for the group and the coaches.”
Provence captain Arthur Croville was also full of praise for North, saying: “Personally, I have come across quite a few big names in professional rugby. But George is an example of professionalism. Like Jimmy Gopperth. He is really very inspiring. These are people who are always positive and who are very close to the group.
“George arrived injured but he learned the language and got very involved. I am really happy that he is available and that he is joining us to express his full potential.”
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