Club Rugby Legends: Richard Parkinson Ories

Above: Then Ories fullback Richard Parkinson profiled in the Evening Post on the eve of his NPC debut for Wellington against Bay of Plenty in 1991. Photo credit: EP 9/9/1991.

Name: Richard Parkinson

Nickname: Parky

Playing positions: Fullback, first five-eighth.

Secondary school attended: Rongotai College

Clubs played for: Oriental Rongotai 1988-1993, Marist St Pat’s 1994-1995, Oriental Rongotai 1997-1999

Premier appearances: Over 100 for Ories, 30 MSP.

Representative teams played in: Wellington Colts 1988, Wellington Lions 1991.

What are you doing now?

I have worked in the Insurance Industry for 27 years, with stints in Auckland and Sydney. Currently working for Aon as an Insurance Broker. I have been married for 20 years to Julie who was a former apprentice Jockey and have a 9 year old son Ollie and we live in Te Horo.

Can you recall your Premier debut and your last game?

I played my first game in 1988 in a Swindale Shield match against Upper Hutt under lights in the unusual position of Halfback. I was weighing in at a paltry 70kg and remember the first lineout where legendary Upper Hutt and Wellington No.8 Isaac Adams poked his head through the lineout and steered right at me then said “I have got the halfback.” My pants needed changing.

I played my last game for Ories in 1999 at Athletic Park in the Hardham Cup final where we won. This was very special with hanging up my boots for the club, but also knowing that it would be the last game at the Park which was soon to be demolished.

What were some of the memorable matches that you played in during your Premier career?

Memorable probably for all the wrong reasons, was a game against Avalon in 1988 at the Polo ground. I was hit late by Wellington No. 8 Emosi Koloto when kicking to touch. I was out cold, the game was stopped and I spent the night in hospital. Headgear was the order of the day for a while after that. In 1989 I toured with Alan Muir’s Wellington side to Brisbane for a South Pacific Game against the Queensland Reds at Ballymore, and when I got on the bus to get to the airport my fellow Orie and roommate for the tour John Gallagher pointed me out to Emosi. I will never forget the sheepish grin on his face, as if he was apologetic.

Who were some of the characters or memorable teammates you played with?

There were numerous stories over a number of years. Within Ories I enjoy Dave Meaclem’s company still to this day as a corporate cab driver. Dave coached me in the first year out of school, and then in the Premier team. He is the only cab driver that has a motto of “I don’t do Bags, boots or doors.”

Who were the tough and memorable opponents you played against?

When playing fullback, I really enjoyed playing Mike Umaga from Petone. A real talent, but while playing hard you could have some good friendly banter on and off the field.

While playing first-five, probably Simon Mannix, as he was the Wellington incumbent and he had a great ability to orchestrate the Petone game plan and direct the game superbly.

Who were the opposition teams that you had rivalries with or who brought out the best in you?

Poneke. That was always a physical match and a local derby. Lots of old school mates, and weather permitting an open and flowing game.

Club rugby after dark – any tales from any memorable after-matches?

Gavin Hill and I clearing out a fish tank (have to use imagination here ) at the Railway in Otaki on the way home from playing Wanganui in a pre-season match against Wanganui.

When the curtain came down on your Premier career did you keep playing or coaching?

No, I focused on my career and family, and enjoyed not having to go out in the Wellington wind to train.

Were you ever sidelined for any period of time with injury and how’s the body holding up these days?

Concussion was probably the longest. It would be fair to say that putting my body 100% committed to positions that could cause impact injuries were few and far between. In fact my nine year old who keeps me fit and active these days has a better tackle ratio than I ever did.

Are you still active in club/community rugby now and do you still follow your former teams?

Living away from Wellington for a number of years and now in Te Horo, it was difficult to get to games regularly, but I still try to get to Old Timers’ days as much as possible and for special events.

I attend Rahui rugby events in Otaki, where my son Ollie plays, as much as I can.

The last word – who is going to win the 2016 Jubilee Cup?

Ories.