George North signs off with a double as Wales edge Barbarians at Twickenham

It was a first game since May for all 23 of the Welsh players and they blew away the cobwebs on a sweltering hot afternoon in London ahead of the Nations Championship campaign starting next week.

The Welsh started strongly and scrumhalf Kieran Hardy sniped over for a try after a strong maul before Dan Edwards also went over to take a 14-3 lead into the halftime break.

The Barbarians hit back though as South Africa prop Vincent Koch, Munster centre Alex Nankivell and Uruguay scrum-half Santiago Arata also scored for the invitational side.

The day belonged to Wales great George North who bowed out in style in his final game before retirement with two Barbarians tries and conversion after the hooter.

North, speaking on S4C, said: "To be honest I was hoping for three tries! I thought my last game had happened. I had a phone call from Robbie (Deans, Barbarians coach) asking how my body was, he asked me to play and this week has been special.

"I wasn't ready to be honest when I came on. I was thinking just keep hold of the ball, take a deep breath and go.

"Today has been special, especially after a tough season. To get the chance to play today with my sons in the crowd who were so excited to see their dad play again.

"This game has given me everything. It was a childhood dream, I came from a place where you don't get many chances. From the very first game it has been a privilege every time I put the shirt on."

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