George North | Mindset, Longevity and a Concussion Crisis

In this episode of Performance People, Georgie sits down with George North, one of Wales’s greatest rugby players, to explore the defining moment that shaped his extraordinary career as he launches his autobiography. From growing up on the island of Anglesey, dreaming of the iconic red jersey, to scoring two tries on his Wales debut against South Africa at just 18, to his latest incarnation in the south of France, George recalls the sacrifices, the setbacks and the sheer drive that carried him to more than a century of international caps.

George reflects on the grounding influence of his parents; a mother who kept him realistic, a father who drove him relentlessly and how that balance prepared him for the intensity of the Test arena. He shares candid memories of stepping into a senior Wales changing room as a teenager, the heroes who welcomed him in, and the unique pride of running out at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The conversation also tackles the toughest chapters of his journey: a run of concussions that forced him to reassess his health and priorities. With honesty and humour, George explains how he learned to manage recovery, find perspective, and build longevity in the game. Now playing in Provence with his young family, he reflects on lessons in resilience, mindset and joy that continue to fuel his performance.

No Other Place: My Autobiography by George North, is available now in hardback (HarperNonFiction, £22)

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The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

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