After experiencing his first minutes in the colors of Provence Rugby last week in Pro D2, Wales legend George North will play his first home match on Friday against Grenoble in a mixture of “pressure” and “enthusiasm” .
The former center of XV of the Leek (32 years old, 121 caps), who ended his international career with a ruptured Achilles tendon during the 2024 tournamentnow enjoys his family life, while sharing the ambition of the club “climb to Top 14”.
QUESTION: How is the Welshman in you adapting to your new life in Provence?
ANSWER: “I hold on to my traditional Welsh roots and I'm still very pale for the South of France. Rosé? I drink it every day! (Laughs). Provence is a beautiful place to live, and for a family adventure, an experience, it's incredible. My wife and my two children love life here, the difference in culture. It's really good to integrate and be forced to learn French. It's a very difficult language, but I do my best. The training week starts on Sunday, it's a bit strange to start the week, but the rest of the time, I can pick up the children after school, spend more time with my family (… ), which I couldn't do when I played at home. We’re taking the opportunity to explore the region, it’s great!”
Q: Why did you choose Aix when leaving the Ospreys at the end of last season?
A: “I spoke with a few clubs, but when I spoke with Provence Rugby, when I saw what they were doing on and off the field, I really liked it. The ambition of going up to the Top 14 was something that really appealed to me. It made me want to take on this challenge with them to help them however I could, it would really be something special.”
Q: After coming into play last week in Agen, this weekend you face Grenoble who are at the top of Pro D2. Do you feel pressure?
A: “Yes, I do, I have felt pressure for the last 15 years. But I think it's more excitement to finally be able to go. It's been a long time since I've played with my ruptured Achilles tendon There are a lot of differences between the rugby that I am used to and the one that is played here. Do I hope to be at my peak straight away? Obviously? , it might take a little time for me to find my benchmarks. I worked a lot in training and the boys were great with me in explaining a lot of things but inevitably, it will take me a few matches to get back to my best level. to play at Maurice-David, I have seen enough matches on the sidelines to know that the atmosphere there is incredible. It's my first home match, and what a match to come back from! championship (…), and this match could be a trigger for our second part of the season.”
Q: The Six Nations Tournament is approaching, the players who will represent Wales will meet next week. Do you miss not attending these gatherings?
A: “If you ask me the same question in 20 years, I think I'll have the same answer. Do I miss it? Yes. It was a big part of my life for 14 years. Every time As I hear the anthem playing, it takes me back to all those times I wore that jersey I stopped because I felt like it was the right time for me. I would have hated to get there. to play without being able to do and give what this jersey deserves.”
