Depressing finish to a fantastic international career for injured George North as he admits ‘people don’t always get a fairytale ending’ – with Wales at rock bottom after disastrous Six Nations campaign

The sight of a battered and bruised George North on crutches and with his foot in a protective boot in the mixed zone of the Principality Stadium on Saturday evening summed up a desperate and hugely disappointing Six Nations campaign for Wales.

After his last international rugby match, which ended in defeat to Italy and the Six Nations wooden spoon for Wales, North was the only player apart from captain Dafydd Jenkins to face questions about the state of the Welsh game.

Considering he seriously hurt his Achilles tendon when the clock was in the red and will not be part of Wales’ future, North deserved huge credit for his emergence.

“People don’t always get the fairytale ending they want,” he said, reflecting on his final 80 minutes before Test retired. This was no way to bow out for one of the all-time greats.

North has been a great servant of the red jersey. It was cruel that the center left the highest level of rugby, not just because of a worrying injury, but also because of chastening defeat.

North was left battered and bruised on crutches and with his foot in a protective boot

While at first glance the result represented a narrow home defeat to Italy, the reality was that the gap between the sides was much wider than just three points. Gonzalo Quesada’s Azzurri were in a different league to Warren Gatland’s men when they sent Wales to the bottom of the Six Nations table for the first time since 2003 – and Gatland admitted Wales have now hit rock bottom.

His offer to resign after a fifth straight defeat in 2024 was rejected by Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney in the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s match.

Gatland’s stoppage question was the main headline of his post-match press conference. But did it also distract supporters from the criticism of him as head coach and his assistants?

Mail Sport understands that a number of Wales players are unimpressed with the coaching they have received during the Championship. Some players at Premier League clubs believe that the coaching at domestic level is better than that in the Wales set-up.

Gatland’s team selection can also be questioned.

His teams of old traditionally started slowly before improving. But Wales have worsened during this Six Nations, with Italy at the low point. There were mistakes everywhere.

“Finishing the way we did is not perfect,” said North, who will be nearly impossible to replace and will suffer a huge loss. ‘No one in an international shirt wants to say that after playing at home.

“Unfortunately, we have to take the rough with the smooth. It will take time. I have been lucky enough to live a dream. The support I have had over the years has been incredible.

“It’s been the best part of my life and I’ve been lucky enough to do it.”

The losses to Scotland, England, Ireland, France and Italy represent a new low for Wales and must lead to change.

Warren Gatland offered to step down as Wales coach but his offer was immediately rejected

The WRU will soon hold a review of the country’s professional game. After these Six Nations, this is needed more than ever. These are difficult times for the country’s national game.

Wales defeated Italy by three tries to two, with Elliot Dee, Will Rowlands and Mason Grady crossing.

But late efforts from Rowlands and Grady made the final score appear much closer than the match actually was. Italy was by far the better team.

‘It’s nonsense at the moment. You have to get through this part to get to the good,” said North, who will continue to play club rugby for French second-division club Provence from next season.

“The crowd were incredible with their support for the boys and all I would like to say is keep believing in them. The talent is enormous, we just have to give it time. I’ve seen it firsthand.

“I don’t think we’re that far away from clicking.”

As Wales enters a period of soul searching, things are looking bright in the Italian garden. In his first season in charge, new Azzurri head coach Quesada has made an immediate impact.

Italy were poor at the World Cup last year, but have beaten Scotland and Wales and drawn against France this season.

Although on the face of it the scoreline represented a narrow home defeat in Cardiff, the reality was that the gap between the teams was much wider than just three points.

They combined a strong defense with a powerful attack. Monty Ioane and Lorenzo Pani completed brilliant team moves. Center pair Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex stood out.

“We have worked hard to take Italian rugby from where it was to where it is now and we are reaping the rewards,” said winger Ioane. ‘But it doesn’t stop here. Two wins don’t make a team.

‘We can’t be one-hit wonders. A mental change has taken place. We were hurt quite a bit by the World Cup and you can either stay in the hole or do something about it.

“Now we’ve come out the other side.”