George North has revealed his ambition to join the Wales centurion club as the reigning Guinness Six Nations champions prepare to defend their crown next year.
Five players have reached 100 caps for Wales so far, with North looking to join Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Stephen Jones, Martyn Williams and Gareth Thomas in the roll of honour.
He currently has 91 Wales appearances to his name – as well as three British & Irish Lions Test caps – but could move to within touching distance of the landmark during the 2020 Championship.
The 27-year-old also has eyes on tracking down Shane Williams’ try-scoring record of 58, with North currently third in the table on 39 international tries for his country.
“One of my goals when I started was to play for my country 100 times. That is a huge ambition,” said North.
“For anyone to say they have played 100 times for your country, nobody could ever take that away or doubt you were a half-decent player.
“I want to chase down Shane as hard as I can, but I know that will be a tough ask.”
North is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury but is targeting a Boxing Day return for Ospreys before turning his attention to the 2020 Guinness Six Nations.
It will be the first Championship for new Wales head coach Wayne Pivac after Warren Gatland stepped down from the role following the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
But while North missed Pivac’s first game in charge against the Barbarians, the winger was encouraged by what he saw and is expecting big things in the 2020 Championship.
“Gats has left big enough boots to fill and I have been impressed with Wayne so far with his messages,” said North.
“That week with the Baa-Baas was good and they have set their stall out early and have asked us if we are in.
“You can’t do that much in a week and we will see the first big changes and their impact come the Six Nations.”
