http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etiqc-cr1hY
Dan Parks announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect today, but was it this mistake that convinced him to hang up his boots for Scotland?
Considering that only three days have passed since Scotland lost to England in the Six Nations opener, it seemed a strange time for Australia-born Parks to call it a day with his adopted nation, but he revealed that it had been on his mind for some time beforehand.
The 33-year old must have been convinced that his time was up when he was guilty of the mistake that led to the only try of the game on Saturday. His kick was charged down by the hardly electric Charlie Hodgson (skip ahead to 1:00 in the video above) early in the second half as England went on to claim the Calcutta Cup with a 13-6 victory at Murrayfield.
Commenting on his decision to call it quits, Parks said: “I was thinking about it 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.
“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 from the international game.
“There are some really talented guys coming through – Jacko, 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. I’ve got my favourite moments for Scotland – uppermost being the 2007 World Cup.
“Other memorable moments have been the two wins against England at home [in 2006 and 2008], the win against South Africa here at Murrayfield (in November 2010), the two wins in Argentina in 2010 and one in 2008 and the Ireland game in 2010 which was a great occasion.”
Scottish coach Andy Robinson, who ignored Parks when he first took over, said: “I have really enjoyed working with Dan. He wasn’t in my first Scotland squads, but through his own determination, hard work, skill and competitive spirit he forced his way back into selection.
“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.”
Doesn’t seem that disappointed to see him go, does he?
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