Since making his international debut in 2010, North has racked up two RBS 6 Nations titles, including a Grand Slam, and a fourth-placed finish in the World Cup.
And the giant wing can still hardly believe his rapid rise to become one of the game’s most formidable attackers.
“I was still in college, watching it with the boys in the common room,” said North.
“I remember thinking it was going to take a long time if I ever got the chance to be there.
“For it to happen so soon… I’m pretty stoked to be here.
“The plan then was just to play rugby. If that didn’t work I don’t know what I would have done.
“You have that seed of doubt where you don’t know what’s going to happen.
“I would have been knackered really. There was no plan B.
“When you start playing rugby you want to play at the next highest level and work your way through the systems..
“I progressed to the Scarlets and Wales. Then you move on to the next challenge, which is here now.
“It’s been a lot of work to be here but it’s paid off, not just for me but the others in the squad.
“It was the best feeling in the world when I heard my name in the squad. It was pretty awesome, surreal.”
North has now completed his first week of training with the Lions and he expects a fierce examination Down Under.
Robbie Deans is set to name his squad over the weekend and North is well aware of the threat posed by the Wallabies star-studded back-line but insists there is nothing to fear.
“Australia are a physical team and they have a pretty star-studded back-line,” said North.
“What haven’t they got? They’ve got speed, hands and physicality. They have got everything there, strength in depth as
well – they’ve got a mental squad.
“Whatever Test side they put out will be a difficult one to play against.
“But there’s nothing to fear. Wales could have won four of those last five defeats. It’s been frustrating we have been so close on a number of occasions.”
