April 29 (Reuters) - Wales ⁠great George North said on Wednesday he ⁠will retire from professional rugby at ‌the end of the season in France.

The 34-year-old, who earned 121 caps for Wales before retiring from internationals in ​2024, has spent the last ⁠two seasons playing for ⁠French second-tier side Provence.

North toured with the British ⁠and ‌Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, and is Wales' second-highest try scorer ⁠with 47 behind only Shane Williams (58).

"I want ​to let ‌you know that at the end of ⁠the season, ​I will be retiring. For me, it's the right time," North said in a video posted ⁠on Instagram.

"I have been able ​to live out my childhood dream for many seasons, playing with some of the best players, ⁠coaches and staff behind.

"I can't thank my family, my friends and you guys enough for the support you have shown me over the ​years. Honestly, it's meant the ⁠world to me."

North, who played at centre ​or on the wing, represented ‌Scarlets, Northampton Saints and Ospreys ​before moving to France during his club career.

(Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru)