Scotland fly-half Dan Parks has retired from international rugby with immediate effect.
Veteran stand-off decides now is the time to call it a day
Scotland fly-half Dan Parks has retired from international rugby with immediate effect, the Scottish Rugby Union have announced.
The 33-year-old Cardiff Blues player made his 67th Test appearance in last Saturday's defeat by England and it was his attempted clearance kick which was charged down by Charlie Hodgson for the decisive try.
Edinburgh captain Greig Laidlaw is expected to start for Scotland in Sunday's clash with Wales in Cardiff and uncapped Glasgow Warriors fly-half Duncan Weir is set for a place on the replacements' bench.
Parks had been considering retiring after the Rugby World Cup, when he was second choice behind Ruaridh Jackson.
He told www.scotlandrugbyteam.org: "I was thinking about it but the first game of the Six Nations was against England, the auld enemy, Jacko 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.
Talented
"There are some really talented guys coming through - Jacko, Greig and Duncan - 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 Rugby World Cup.
"Other memorable moments have been the two wins against England at home (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."
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson 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."
Parks is the third long-serving Scottish player to retire following the World Cup, after Nathan Hines and Chris Paterson.
