Parks keen to pay his way for Connacht

Date Published: 30-Aug-2012

Rob Murphy

DAN Parks is ready for one last challenge. It might turn out to be as tough as anything he has faced before but when it comes to the Australian born Scottish capped out half’s career, resilience and perseverance are two words that are very much synonymous. He has been acquired for his experience of guiding projects like this and he’s ready.

“That was discussed when I had my initial chats with Eric (Elwood) and Billy (Millard). I’m 34 years of age, I’ve been around for a while, and I’m hoping to bring all the things I can to the game, obviously experience being one, my general kicking as well.”

He arrived in early June, fresh and free form international summer commitments having retired from Scotland after the World Cup last year. Yet luck wasn’t on his side as he picked up a niggling calf injury early on that is threatening to delay the start of his season. Despite that, he’s in positive mood.

“I’m excited about the move, I’ve been living in the UK for nine years now, I had seven great years in Scotland and two in Cardiff. Galway is a great city and I’ve really enjoyed my first couple of months here. There is really good buzz around the city with the summer festivals and it’s just a good place to live.

“I’ve played here at the Sportsground many times before and I know how tricky it is to play here as an opposing player. I hope we can use that advantage.”

Parks last played at the Sportsground in October for the Cardiff Blues, masterminding an 11 point turnaround that night kicking 16 points in an imperious display. It was the start of a period of games where the venue lost its fortress feel, but he feels that overall the new layout to the venue has changed it.

“I think it was my first game back after the World Cup and I was used to running out at the end over the dog track, so to see this new stand and run out in the middle of all that noise, well that was definitely a big change. It always has a parochial feel to it, the passion is obvious but now it has the noise.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.