Parks, Richard

Pontypridd-born Richard David Parks played for Welsh Youth before going overseas to South Africa where he played for Natal Province U19's. Back in the old country Richard played for Newport and was close to selection for the Welsh squad in 1997.

A serious injury to the spine put Richard out of action for a year but he then joined Pontypridd in 1999.

Making a name for himself as a hard and prolific tackler Richard's contribution proved all the more valuable in being adept at packing down on either side of the scrum.

Man of the Match against Saracens in the 2001/02 Parker Pen Shield Quarter Final, he was eventually rewarded with a call-up to the senior Welsh squad on the summer tour to South Africa.

Richard Parks offered a simple definition of the team spirit that has driven Pontypridd to this afternoon's Parker Pen Shield final. "A lot of the players are friends, outside of the game," said the open-side flanker. "When your arse is hanging out, or your back's against the wall, it's instinctive to help each other."

A qualified dental surgeon, Richard joined up with the Celtic Warriors in 2003 and then moved on to Leeds, Perpignan and the Dragons.

Richard retired from Rugby in May 2009 after a succession of shoulder injuries. Commenting on his illustrious career, Richard stated:

"I have been very fortunate to have been able to experience life in several different clubs and countries. I enjoyed a fantastic spell in Leeds - winning the Powergen Cup and got to experience life in the south of France with Perpignan. My fondest memories will be of my time at Sardis Road with Pontypridd with whom I won my Welsh caps and The Principality Cup.

"Apart from having my 'Grogg' made, winning the Principality Cup with Pontypridd, playing in the sevens World Cup with Wales in Argentina and going unbeaten for the last 8 games during my first season with Leeds to avoid relegation and win the Powergen Cup rank as some of the high points of my career."

After his retirement, Richard Parks made history by becoming the first person to ever stand on the highest summits on each of the World's continents and all 3 poles (The North Pole, the South Pole and the summit of Everest) in a single calendar year, and set a new benchmark in the climbing of the 7 summits. He completed his 737 Challenge in a record setting 06 Months, 11 Days, 07 Hours and 53 Minutes.

Richard will be remembered fondly as a fantastic servant of Pontypridd in the Club's last professional years.