ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Kiwi Hadleigh Parkes chokes up from messages of support after Wales debut

BY Grant Constable  ·  Monday Dec 4, 2017

New Wales back Hadleigh Parkes had a dream debut on Saturday, scoring two tries in their 24-22 win over South Africa in Cardiff. The New Zealander’s name will be familiar to fans of Super Rugby, but after living in Wales for three years, he can now play for the country. 

WRU TV surprised him after the game with some emotional well wishes from back home, as his friends and family in New Zealand got behind him for this next chapter in his rugby career. 

Parkes, who only became eligible to play for Wales on the morning of the Test, got all teary-eyed when watching the supportive messages from back home. 

The 30-year-old is fully aware of the criticism surrounding players qualifying on residency, but as you can see in the video, it means a huge amount and his loved ones are fully behind him. 

“I arrived on the morning of the 2nd [December, 2014]. Some people probably have a bit to say about that, but you can’t blame the player for the opportunity he has been given.

“It is a huge opportunity and a huge privilege to be able to represent the Welsh people.”

World Rugby’s residency laws are set to change from three to five years. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Breaking down the greatest year of international...

  • 267 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 271 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok star scores screamer on debut for Sagamihara Dynaboars

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Bears fly as 100 metre finish already touted as try of the season

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

View All

Funnies

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All

Amateur

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 104 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 104 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 127 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

View All