By Seren Nelson
Defeat to Italy was not the farewell George North wanted, but he is adamant he will retire from international rugby with no regrets.
North, who won his 121st and final cap in the 24-21 reverse to the Azzurri last Saturday, left the field early with an injury to his foot.
Coupled with a whitewash-conforming loss, it made for a depressing finish to what should have been a memorable day for more positive reasons.
But North was philosophical.
He said: “People don’t always get the fairy-tale ending they want… but to do it at home, it’s still special for me.
“I have no doubt (about the decision) and I addressed the boys this morning. I leave my jersey in safe hands, there’s some serious talent coming through.
“The public have been incredible with the support for the boys, and all I will say is ‘keep believing in them, the talent is there’.
“I’ve seen it first hand, I’ve stood next to it, I’ve corrected it.”
There were signs of tears from North as he lined up for his final anthem as a Wales player before kick-off.
He added: “The anthem is always teary for me, but I said this week I’ve been very fortunate to live a dream.
“The support I’ve had over the years has been incredible and to be able to say thank you and to finish my last game at home was incredible.”
North stressed his team mates know the improvements they need to make and that Warren Gatland can oversee a revival.
He said: “I’ve had a fair few conversations with Gats over the past few months, he knows how to get the best out of the boys, he’s done it before but it takes time.
“The boys know the standard, Gats drives that, the coaches drive that, but it’s going to take time for us to get there.
“Unfortunately, we’ve got to take the rough with the smooth.”
Despite the loss against Italy, North was eager to talk about how the now new generation are coming through.
“I’ve been impressed with a few of the boys,” he said.
“You have to go through this to get to the good part.
“I was fortunate I had a few more people to hold my hand when I was their age, to show me how you go about winning.”
North and his family will begin a new chapter of their life in France next season as the 31-year-old begins a two-year contract with second tier club Provence.