George North gets rave reviews in France for what he's done in private over the last four months
George North has earned rave reviews following his debut for Pro D2 side Provence at the weekend.
The Wales legend, who announced his retirement from international rugby at the end of last year's Six Nations, ruptured his Achilles tendon during his last Test match and has spent the best part of a year getting back to full fitness.
And at the weekend he was finally ready to take to the field again, with the 32-year-old coming on for the final half an hour of Provence's 17-10 win over Agen.
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The wing-turned-centre caught the eye with a big high catch before he burst through three tackles and took his team up the pitch to get them back on the front foot. And it's clear to see he's made quite the impression on and off the field in the south of France.
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, also waxed lyrical about the 121-cap icon, adding: "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."
