**George North Opens Up On Shaun Edwards’ Influence, ‘Wall of Shame’ Memories, and Life in French Rugby**
Welsh rugby stalwart George North has spoken with candour about his admiration for former national defence coach Shaun Edwards, shedding light on the hard-edged yet caring methods that shaped his international career. While North now plies his trade for Provence in France’s Pro D2 league, his recollections of Edwards’ impact as a coach remain vivid and powerful.
In a recent interview organised by ex-teammate Dan Biggar for The Rugby Pod, North reflected on his journey after Welsh rugby, the adjustment to life on the continent, and, most memorably, the uncompromising standards set by Edwards during their years together with Wales. Despite moving on from the international scene, the scars and lessons from those formative years with Edwards have endured, as North detailed the infamous ‘Wall of Shame’—a ritual post-match display of direct feedback for all to see.
“When the Wall of Shame was blank beside my name, that was a good week!” North reminisced, grinning. Such clean slates, he admitted, were rare, with Edwards known for his cut-to-the-chase assessments. With visible amusement, North recalled receiving the message: “Do you know what you’re doing? Do you listen?”—a typically forthright comment from the no-nonsense coach when standards weren’t met.
Biggar joined in with his own memory, citing an occasion when a note beside a player read “Not international standard – sort it!” The bluntness stood in contrast to the underlying respect and genuine care that players felt from Edwards. North was keen to stress that beneath the steely exterior was a mentor who commanded unwavering respect thanks not just to his rigour, but also his willingness to take responsibility when necessary.
“The best coach I’ve ever played under is Shaun Edwards—no question,” North stated. He went on to describe the coach’s fixation with intense preparation and attention to detail, especially on the defensive side of the game. Edwards was not one to shy away from admitting errors on his part, even as he relentlessly pushed his charges to improve. “He’d give you every tool you needed and push you hard, but if something blindsided the team, he’d be the first to say, ‘I didn’t prepare you right.’ That’s a quality I hugely respected.”
North vividly captured the energy that Edwards brought to each session. “For us in the back three, there was no hiding. His defensive system was clear-cut, and he certainly made sure we stuck to it,” he recalled. The coach’s voice, sharp and urgent, still echoes in North’s memory. “He’d be shouting across the pitch—sometimes you’d get it even when it wasn’t your mistake!” Despite this, North insists Edwards had a warmth away from the pitch, regularly reaching out even after their paths had parted.
Outside rugby, North is embracing a new chapter in southern France with his wife Becky and their two sons. The family have adapted to the French lifestyle, with North speaking enthusiastically about the outdoor culture and freedom his children now enjoy. “It’s brilliant. The boys are out on bikes, in the skate park, in the pool all the time. It’s a fantastic environment for them,” he said, highlighting a different pace of life from the more regimented world of Welsh rugby.
Adapting to French rugby itself has offered further learning opportunities. North described the contrast between the highly structured systems in Wales and the unpredictable, freer approach in France. “Some of it is on another level, other bits are just wild! But I’ve found a rhythm as the season’s gone on,” he admitted, acknowledging both the challenges and rewards.
Inevitably, North’s journey hasn’t been without disappointment. Injuries, in particular, have been bitter pills to swallow—the most significant being his hamstring tear during the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour, which forced him home prematurely, and a ruptured ACL ahead of the 2021 Lions series. “Injuries are the absolute worst. There’s nothing you can do about them, unlike form or dealing with criticism,” North reflected, displaying both vulnerability and resolve.
In spite of setbacks, North remains philosophical. “Those moments stay with you, but you move forward,” he said, encapsulating the resilience typical of the game’s greats. Through his honest insights, North not only pays tribute to the uniquely influential role figures like Edwards have played in his career, but also offers a glimpse into the enduring spirit required to adapt, survive, and continue to thrive on and off the rugby field.