Gem Week: Gatland discusses the 2027 World Cup plans with the older conductor Williams

Williams will win his 93rd cap for Wales against France on Friday as the Six Nations start again after a year's cut.

Wales wing George North is targeting a 100th cap for his country during this year's Guinness Six Nations.

The 33-year-old, who has 92 caps to his name, is set to feature against France in the tournament opener on Friday.

North, who was first selected in a Wales Six Nations squad in 2013, returned to the international fold last year after a stint in Japanese rugby with Kubota Spears.

He is now in his second spell with Gallagher Premiership club Saracens, having previously played for Saints, and is aiming to add to his tally of caps this season.

“My aim is to get 100 caps for Wales, and if that happens it is the icing on the cake,” said North.

“If it doesn’t, then it doesn’t, and that is just the way it is. But that is my aim.

“For me, now it’s about taking every game as it comes. Hopefully, I will be picked for this week and that would be another one.”

Only nine players - five of them backs - have clocked up a caps century for Wales, and there is little doubt that Gatland would currently have North in 2027 World Cup plans.

North is cautious on that front, believing it “might be a bit too far”, but there is no question about his ability, and a big Six Nations could even thrust him into selection view for the British and Irish Lions' Australia tour this summer.

“Obviously, it would be a dream to make that squad, but for me it is about trying to play for Wales, and if I get the chance, to play well and try to get some wins,” he added.

“I have been speaking to Gats. We spoke post-Australia (Wales' 2024 summer tour) about what the plans are for the next couple of years.

“I am just happy to be here, and hopefully I can add something to the team, depending on whether I am picked, try and add something extra and win with the boys.”

A number of Wales' current squad would have been in primary school when North made his Wales debut in 2012, highlighting his longevity and consistency of performance at the highest level.

“I am speaking with these guys, not always about rugby stuff, but off-field stuff as well,” said North, who is now the senior statesman among the Wales backs.

“And I have told them that if they have any questions and would like to chat about anything, I am here and happy to chat.”

Scarlets backs Ellis Mee and Blair Murray are among the Wales newcomers this season, and North added: “They have impressed me. Those two have been great.

“Blair was here during the autumn and he has been playing well for Scarlets and tearing it up.

“Ellis is a young kid who is quite raw, but if he gets more Scarlets game time he is going to be world class. That is just a matter of time.”