SUFC are delighted to announce former Scottish International Flyhalf, Dan Parks as the Club’s Director of Colts for 2022.
Raised in Sydney, Dan played his early rugby in the Shute Shield, he also represented New South Wales at U21 level before moving to the Northern Hemisphere where he played professionally for Pro12 sides Glasgow Warriors, Cardiff Blues and Connacht Rugby, as well as England’s Leeds Tykes. He secured 67 international caps for Scotland from 2004 to 2012 including two World Cup campaigns, and was awarded Scotland’s Player’s Player of the World Cup in 2007. He also holds the record for most points scored in the Pro12 with a combined total of 1,582 points.
As well as an impressive playing resume, Dan has significant experience as a Coach having been the Assistant of NRC sides the Sydney Stars and NSW Country Eagles, Skills Coach for the Samoan national side and Head Coach of Connacht’s U18s side.
Director of Rugby, Nick Ryan commented, “To be able to add a person of Dan’s experience and skill set is wonderful for the Club. Our Colts program is based around player development, a competitive environment and a strong work ethic, Dan will ensure those standards are maintained and developed”.
As Director of Colts, Dan will lead on all aspects of the Colts program, including the Head Coach of the Colts 1st XV team and player recruitment. He will work closely with Head Coach, Sean Hedger and Director of Rugby, Nick Ryan to ensure cohesion between the senior and Colts squads.
Dan said of his appointment, “Whilst still being involved in the game at a media level for the past few years I have come to realise how much I had missed being around a team environment, so when the opportunity arose to join such a prestigious and successful club like SUFC within a coaching role I jumped at the chance to get back involved in the game that has given me so much. I’m excited at the prospect of imparting my knowledge onto the next generation of players.
SUFC are certain that Dan’s knowledge of the game, mixed with his experience at an international and Shute Shield level will make him a fantastic addition to the program. Dan started with SUFC full-time on Monday 8 November and has already fully submerged himself into training and planning for the season ahead.