The North Star, has guided travelers for centuries. Located almost directly above the North Pole, it appears fixed in the night sky while other stars seem to move around it. Sailors, explorers, and adventurers have relied on it to find their way when traveling across oceans and deserts.

Beyond its practical use, the North Star symbolizes hope, guidance, and direction. Its steady light reminds us that even in darkness, there is always a point of reference to help us find our path.

In Wales our North Star had similar properties, hope, guidance and direction that gave us cause for optimism even on the darkest of nights.

This afternoon George North drew the curtain on his glittering career as the Barbarians took on Wales at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The giant wing-cum-centre announced his retirement from the professional game in April but laced up his boots up one last time going up against the nation for whom he won 121 caps and scored 47 tries.

It was the first and last time that the Wales great has represented the Baa-Baas and it was a fitting farewell for the 34-year-old. 

North said: “It’s always been a dream of mine to play for the Barbarians so to be invited for a game at Twickenham, against Wales was just incredible. 

“I have been so privileged to enjoy the career that I have had, and I have so many unforgettable memories from Wales and friendships to last a lifetime. So to go out against my country, with some of my friends and teammates playing is so special. 

“To also be able to play alongside some of the best and most exciting players in the world, and to enjoy that famous Barbarians spirit is something I couldn’t turn down. 

During a career that has spanned 16 years, North helped Wales to four Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, and twice toured with the British & Irish Lions.

Following stints with Scarlets, Northampton Saints and Ospreys, he has spent the last two years with Provence in France’s ProD2.

With Mediterranean temperatures at Twickenham more Menton than Middlesex he felt quite at home.

There are few teams in sport as romantic, and enduring as the Barbarians. They exist as an idea that has survived since 1890 and continue to capture the imagination of rugby lovers around the world.

From the outset, the Barbarians were different. They had no home ground, no season to grind through, no trophies to chase. Instead, they lived on invitation both in who they played and who they selected. To wear the black-and-white jersey is not something you apply for it is something bestowed. Skill matters, but so does character. To be a Barbarian is to embody the spirit of rugby. George is the embodiment of the Barbarian ethos.

In stifling heat Wales minus their non-Welsh based players were victorious by 33 points to 31.

George, selected on the Barbarian bench, entered the fray with 46:43 on the clock. Two minutes he crashed through for a try. He added another on 70 minutes and with the last kick of the game converted Arata’s try.

He looked as sharp and beautifully athletic as he always has giving us a reminder of his glory days with Wales and the Lions, it was a fitting farewell.

The skies will be that bit darker without our North Star, but wonderful memories of the rugby supernova will leave an inextinguishable light and an indelible path for others to follow.