Dan Parks has RETIRED from International Rugby.

The Scotland fly-half Dan Parks has retired from international rugby with immediate effect, the Scottish Rugby Union have announced.

The 33-year-old made his 67th Six Nations loss to England and was culpable for the decisive try as Charlie Hodgson charged down his kick.

The Cardiff Blues playmaker, who made his debut in 2004, has now made way for the next generation, with the Edinburgh captain Greig Laidlaw expected to start for Scotland in Sunday's Six Nations fixture against Wales in Cardiff and the uncapped Glasgow Warriors fly-half Duncan Weir set for a place on the replacements' bench.

Parks had been contemplating retiring after the World Cup, when he was second choice behind Ruaridh Jackson, but the lure of the opening Six Nations clash with England was too strong. However, now he has now called time on his Test career, insisting the time is right.

He said: "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.

"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 World Cup.

"Other memorable moments have been the two wins against England at home [in 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."

The Scotland head coach, Andy Robinson, did not select Parks in his first squad as head coach in 2009, but the Australia-born playmaker proved his credentials and has steered Scotland to a number of successes since returning.

However, he fell down the pecking order as Robinson fostered a more expansive game plan and now his Test career is over following 266 points, including a Scottish record 17 drop-goals.

Parks is the third long-serving Scot to retire following the World Cup, after Nathan Hines and Chris Paterson.

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."

"I was thinking about it but the first game of the Six Nations was against England, the Auld Enemy, and being able to play was huge for me.

"On reflection, after talking it over with family, I've come to the decision that now is the right time to retire."

Hollbeck Ghyll wrote:Wow. Kind of caught in two minds here. Obviously I'm glad that he won't be troubling the starting line up again, but I also feel for the guy. Taking so much flak (remember when he got even more bad press than now?) and responsibility for Saturday must be tough for him. A noble decision really.

MunsterMac wrote:

"I was thinking about it but the first game of the Six Nations was against England, the Auld Enemy, and being able to play was huge for me.

"On reflection, after talking it over with family, I've come to the decision that now is the right time to retire."

Jesus talk about a plonker!

Either before or after the Six Nations.

Not one match in.

Knowsit17 wrote:As someone from outside the bubble of Scottish rugby who has remained passive of Parks' pros and cons, I now feel rather sorry for him. Judging from all the negativity towards him lately, this'll be cause for celebrations up north but really it doesn't sound like a nice way to go. And some of the flack he's getting really is hysterical stuff.

Hollbeck Ghyll wrote:True. But he must have been considering it before the 6N, came to the decision that he would give one more go, thinking he was still up to it, then Saturday happened.
He probably should have gone before, but I think this has taken some guts rather than plow on till the end of the tournament

Gibson wrote:I wonder will ROG follow his lead after the 6-N and do us all a favour. It would escalate the development of Madigan by the IRFU, who is as good, if not better than Sexton in open play. Just needs more kicking experience. Believe me, he'd get it soon enough for Leinster, if ROG hangs up his international boots.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Hollbeck Ghyll wrote:True. But he must have been considering it before the 6N, came to the decision that he would give one more go, thinking he was still up to it, then Saturday happened.
He probably should have gone before, but I think this has taken some guts rather than plow on till the end of the tournament

"Guts" or shown the door?

Rugby_Girl wrote:
The Scotland fly-half Dan Parks has retired from international rugby with immediate effect, the Scottish Rugby Union have announced.

offload wrote:Very strange timing and I'm sorry but also bad form. He should have showed committment to his team mates and the tournament even if dropped.

Mr Bounce wrote:Wow! Talk about falling on your sword! As an Englishman I am sorry to see him go, but I am still amazed he was picked for so long - he was even more one-dimensional than Andy Goode!

nickj wrote:I think some of the comments on this thread stink. He is a professional rugby player for goodness sake. He always gave his all and I'm sure few 606 ers played rugby as well as he did. Yes, we can all have a moan and its fun to pick our teams, but have a bit of respect. Fly halves get charged down, some fly halves play differently than others. I will always respect anyone who wore a Scotland jersey.