He can retire knowing he had an excellent career - from a Connacht perspective I said before that I think his impact has been underrated. His own performances were mixed, but I genuinely think he played a key role in brining on a lot of our younger players. I got chatting to him a couple of times and he was an absolute gent. All the best Dan.

Very disappointed to hear this, he openly stated that he wanted to keep playing, I guess he didn't find a club at high enough to make it worth playing. He really became a connacht player through and through, as said above, he always clapped the crowd and always had time for pictures.
When he signed it was said he would get a coaching job at the end of the 2 years, but when he said he wanted to keep playing that might of been the end of that
I think he might of been seeing someone from Galway so he might stay around

Probably my stand out moment from a connacht player has to be parks in his first game which was vs leinster. I've never seen leadership like that before

Was always as big fan of his.

He may not have always delivered on the pitch (especially in some games in his last season), but it seemed that he took the time to use his experience to help the younger players and he always, always thanked the crowd. He was the one player who week in, week out, tried to get the others to go over to the main stand to thank the supporters. That impressed me in the man.

Best of luck for the future, Dan.

Parks has announced his retirement:

Former Scotland fly-half Dan Parks has announced his retirement from rugby.


Parks won 67 caps during an eight-year international career that ended when he stepped down from Test rugby during the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Australia-born Parks joined Glasgow in 2003, and then had spells with Cardiff Blues and latterly Connacht.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to play a sport which I love for over 11 years as a professional," he said.

"My time over here in Scotland, Wales and Ireland has been the best years of my life, and I would like to thank all those who have contributed and helped me along this amazing journey.

"Of course, my highlight was being able to wear the blue of Scotland, and something I will forever treasure and hold very close to my heart.

"I plan to stay closely involved with the game, through TV, commercial work and coaching, and I am really excited about the future and continuing to be involved in the sport I am so passionate about and that has given me so much."

Great news! I'm delighted for him. Hopefully he can get fit and have a positive impact for Bourgoin.

Looks like Dave Nolan will be playing in France next year.

sports.orange.fr/rugby/pro-d2/bourgoin-d..._CNT0000002Kn4a.html

Bourgoin were mid-table ProD2 this year.

According to the Premiership’s player performance ratings, published this week by Opta, show the award for most penalties conceded (30) went to London Irish’s Jamie Hagan. :dry:

Not a good stat for Hagan. Hopefully he can turn things around next season but he struck me as a guy who lives in his head a lot and who when the confidence is low is liable to to play extremely badly.

St Placide wrote: Massy has qualified for the semi-finals of Federale One by defeating Aix over two legs. Niall O'Brien started at 12 alongside former Leinster player, Eoghan Hickey, at out half. Next up is a two-legged semi-final against Tyrosse. A win guarantees promotion to Pro2 next year for the Paris side.

Winner alright. Massey beat Tyrosse last night to secure promotion to ProD2. They now meet Mountauban in the Fed One final in two weeks time. Unfotunately, Niall O'Brien was injured but hopefully available for the final.

swift4prez wrote: Paul warwick retires

oon twitter he thanks his former teams to allow him to express himself. Includes connacht
He seems genuine upset about it and truly love rugby.
It was a neck specialist that told him to stop

Very impressed the first night he set foot in the Sportsground. Sorry to hear he has to quit- hate when a player is forced to stop. Sounds similar to Brett W. A tough game..

Paul warwick retires

oon twitter he thanks his former teams to allow him to express himself. Includes connacht
He seems genuine upset about it and truly love rugby.
It was a neck specialist that told him to stop

Gavin Duffy has joined Mayo football panel, best of luck to him

St Placide wrote: Next up is a two-legged semi-final against Tyrosse.

I was with a busload of U-12s a few years ago for matches with Tyrosse. Very welcoming, nice people, nice club, and good food Good to see them doing well.

Massy has qualified for the semi-finals of Federale One by defeating Aix over two legs. Niall O'Brien started at 12 alongside former Leinster player, Eoghan Hickey, at out half. Next up is a two-legged semi-final against Tyrosse. A win guarantees promotion to Pro2 next year for the Paris side.

swift4prez wrote: from 2months ago

swift4prez wrote:
i also seen some place the Farley could be leaving Grenoble, any info? he will be 34 at the start of the season

confirmed on twitter

Rida Jaouher and @BruceFarls entered together into the field for their last home game with Grenoble

#FCG #FCGAB

Grenoble has confirmed that Farley will be joining the management team next season; "gérer la logistique de l’équipe, la gestion et le management et les relations avec les joueurs, le comportement et la discipline de l’équipe, l’intégration des nouveaux joueurs et un peu de recrutement" and such like!

Meanwhile, Shanahan is delighted Warner and Grace have committed themselves to another season with the club.

Winger Warner arrive in 2012, while Irish flanker Grace joined the club last summer.

Grace returns to action tomorrow from a three-month lay-off due to a serious knee injury. He has been named on the bench to face Jersey.

“Eoghan has been unfortunate with injuries,” said Shanahan.

“But when he’s played he has brought something different to the other back-row players.

“He has an ability to make things happen on the field.

“He is also a really good leader it he squad.

“Eoghan has got a good rugby brain and he is a massive asset for us.”

no word on matthew jarvis at nothingham. seems there fans are happy with kicking from the ground but not with his open play.

as reported else where, farley will be staying in grenoble as team manager.

other news

Jersey RFC sign five new players ahead of new season

Jersey RFC have announced the signing of five new players for next season.
Former Northampton Saints scrum-half Ryan Glynn is among the new arrivals, alongside Dragons back Lewis Robling and Nottingham prop Harry Williams.
Darlington Mowden Park lock Pierce Phillips and Australian centre Tobias Hoskins also join Harvey Biljon's team.
Additionally, five existing squad players have signed new contracts; Joe Buckle, Nick Campbell, Joel Dudley, Mark McCrea and Aaron Penberthy.
The news comes a week after props Danny Herriott and Ben Rogers also signed for the club for next season.
Glynn's move to Jersey comes after three years of dual registration with Moseley, while Hoskins, 24, has experience with Perth side Western Force Super Rugby.
Aged 22, 21 and 22 respectively, Robling, Phillips and Williams complete a youthful quintet of new signings.
Jersey face a battle to ensure their new signings will be playing Championship rugby next season as they currently sit three points above bottom-placed Ealing Trailfinders with just two matches remaining.

with one game to go, ealing have 26 points, jersey have 24. correct me if im wrong, but isnt there a 2 leg play off for relegation?
ive asked mark if its 1 year or 2 year he has signed for