Parker Blows Up Early

By Andrew Collins
January 17 2006

Wales centre Sonny Parker has officially called time on his international career to focus on life after rugby. The 28-year old will now not feature in this years 6 Nations, adding yet another blow to Mike Ruddocks depleted squad.

Parker was a key man in last seasons Grand Slam, and with so few other options he would've been a certainty to be in Ruddocks squad announced later today. He told BBC,

"It was the hardest decision of my life"

Some will boubt Parkers commitment to Wales, having only qualified through a Welsh family member to play for the the Dragons. However, his on-feild displays were never in question, and his performances will be remembered by the Welsh public.

He gave the reason of wanting a life after rugby for his retirement saying,

"I've come to the stage in my career where I only have around three seasons left to play rugby and I want to concentrate on the career I will have when I stop playing whilst giving all I can to the Ospreys."

So who will fill the void left by Parker? Ruddock will surely have to look at Matthew J. Watkins, Ceri Sweeney, Jamie Robinson and will also been trying twice as hard to get Mark Taylor from Sale's iron grip.

His loss from the Welsh set up is quite big but not major, however his timing couldn't have been worse.

But this may yet be a blessing in disguise, with a youngster having a chance to put their hand up, we may just find another Henson!