Scotland colleagues have paid tribute to Dan Parks after the fly-half bowed to the inevitable and called time on his international career.
The 67-times capped Parks was set to be dropped from the team to play Wales on Sunday in the second game of the RBS 6 Nations but instead announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect.
His final act in a Scotland jersey was to have a clearance kick charged down that led to England’s try in the 13-6 Calcutta Cup defeat on Saturday an error and defeat that made it certain he would be left out of the squad to go to Cardiff this weekend.
Greig Laidlaw, his replacement on Saturday, is the likely starter against Wales with 20-year-old Duncan Weir coming into the squad.
For Parks, it was a sorry end to a chequered eight-year career in a Scotland shirt after he first came from his native Australia in 2004. He had been considering his position since the World Cup in New Zealand in September.
”I had been thinking about retirement but the first game of the Six Nations was against England, the auld enemy, Jacko (Ruaridh Jackson) was injured and being able to play against England was huge for me as there was a sense of unfinished business,” he said.
”On reflection after the game, after talking it over with my family, girlfriend and close friends I’ve come to the decision that now is the right time to retire.
”There are some really talented guys coming through Jacko (Ruaridh Jackson), Greig (Laidlaw) and Duncan (Weir) and although I’m sad to be finishing my international career I have some fantastic memories of playing for Scotland and what that has meant to me. I’ve no regrets at what has been an amazing career for me.”
Parks has always divided the Scotland support, many of whom felt he was parachuted into the international set-up by former coach Matt Williams. Nevertheless, he had words of praise for them.
”I want to thank the loyal fans of the Scotland team,” he said. ”It’s been a rocky road for me at times but at the end I’ve always given 100% to play at my best and succeed for Scotland.”
Parks had his successes in a Scotland jersey, not least the 2010 season when he won a series of man-of-the-match awards and helped Scotland to victories over Ireland, Argentina twice and South Africa.
His personal favourite was the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
He explained: ”That was my first World Cup, something that as a youngster you would always aspire to play in, and it was just such a happy, exciting, positive time. I’ve made some incredible friends here in Scotland and in the Scotland team and a lot of those friendships were forged in Glasgow.
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”There are a lot of people within Scottish rugby who have been good to me. I would like to thank Matt Williams, Frank Hadden, Andy Robinson and all the various assistant coaches over the years, alongside the medical, fitness, kit, administrative and media staff who have helped me.”
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: ”I have really enjoyed working with Dan. He had such determination, skill and competitive spirit. It’s never an easy decision to make but I feel Dan has made the right decision and thank him for his contribution over the years.”
Parks’ half-back partner on many occasions, Edinburgh Rugby’s Mike Blair said: ”The reaction of all the guys when Parksy announced his retirement said it all stunned silence and emotion.
”Dan is a hugely popular and respected member of the squad and his contribution to some of Scotland’s most famous victories cannot be over-estimated. His humour, talent and energy will certainly be missed around the Scotland camp.”
After bidding a tearful farewell to his Scotland colleagues, Parks flew back to Wales to rejoin his Cardiff Blues team-mates.
Scotland backs coach Gregor Townsend said: ”It has been an emotional time for the squad after Dan announced his retirement.
”He has had a great Scotland career and was the catalyst of our wins against South Africa, away to Argentina (twice) and Ireland in Dublin two years ago. He always brought great energy and intelligence to the squad and is highly regarded by his teammates and management.”
Scotland and Glasgow prop Moray Low tweeted: ”Sad to hear the news about Dan. He was a great player to play with on the field but a nightmare to play against at table tennis!”
Glasgow coach Sean Lineen: ”Dan was a class act for the Warriors over many years. He was the decisive factor in so many games, culminating in what was a truly world-class stand-off display in that win against Toulouse.
”He had some fantastic times in a Scotland jersey too, particularly during the 2010 Six Nations. All of us involved in Scottish rugby should be hugely appreciative of what he’s done.”
Former Wales captain Michael Owen underlined his sympathy for Parks, saying: ”The timing is odd I don’t like all the bashing he is getting. Just no need for it.”
Scotland centre Nick De Luca said: ”Dan was a talisman of recent years and his energy on and off the pitch will be tough to replace.”
Injured flanker Kelly Brown, who had been due to skipper the Scots last weekend, added: ”He is a great guy and a great player who deserved congrats for a great career.”
Former Glasgow scrum-half Mark McMillan: ”I am sad to see him go. Dan a legend for club and country an incredible team man and most genuine bloke around.”
Scotland centre and ex-Glasgow team-mate Graeme Morrison stated: ”Parksy was a legend. He bounced back again and again. He was a real team man and it has been a real honour to play with him.”
Scrum-half Rory Lawson added: ”What an emotional day. He has been outstanding again and again for Scotland. I have never known energy like it on and off the pitch a metronomic boot, incredible skills and without doubt the most amusing, genuine bloke you’ll find.”
Photo by James Horan/PA Archive