Richard Parks wins Rugby Writers' Special Award

10th January 2012

Last night saw the Rugby Union Writers' Club present their special award to Richard Parks for his 737 Challenge and charity work raising funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Richard received the award in front of an elite room of rugby guests and was humbled to receive such an incredible reception and award, he said; “I was totally gobsmacked and had no idea I was going to receive this award, it was such an amazing night and I was totally overwhelmed by the reception I received”.  “It was a real honour to be recognised by the RUWC and to receive this special award in front of so many rugby greats”.

RUWC chairman Paul Morgan said; “Richard was given the Rugby Writers' Club Special Award in recognition of his incredible achievement completing the 737 Challenge.  Richard follows some of the biggest names in the game including Phil Vickery, Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Ian McGeechan”.

He added; "We are proud to call Richard one of our brothers and he is a valued member of the rugby family.  So after his incredible achievement it was only right for him to be honoured in this way by the club.  He received a standing ovation from a packed room at the annual dinner.  Richard being as humble as he is was surprised to get the award but for us it was the least we could do to recognise his achievement”.

The Rugby Union Writers' dinner, held in London also saw fellow Welshman Sam Warburton collect the prestigious Pat Marshall Memorial Award.  The flanker was voted the Rugby Union Writers' Club's personality for 2011 topping the RUWC poll ahead of New Zealand's World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry, France captain Thierry Dusautoir and Wales wing Shane Williams.

Finally Richard stated; “I feel very lucky and privileged to have played professional rugby and am grateful for all that it has given me.  I am very proud and grateful for the support I have had from the rugby community throughout my 737 Challenge and it was an honour to receive the award amongst those people, it was a top night”.