Richard to be special guest at Wales v England

11th August 2011

Former Welsh rugby international Richard Parks will attend Wales v England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday as a special guest, following an invite from WRU President Dennis Gethin.

Welsh rugby fans will have the opportunity to give Richard a massive welcome and hear from the man himself on the stadium’s big screens before the game kicks off at 2.30pm. 

Parks received a rousing send-off from rugby fans at the home of Welsh sport during the 2010 Autumn Series before embarking on his epic seven month race to climb the highest summit on each of the world’s continents and stand on all 3 poles (The North Pole, South Pole and the summit of Everest).  Richard wrote his name in to the record books on 12th July completing his world first challenge in 6 months and 11 days, becoming the first ever person to stand on the 7 summits and 3 poles in the same calendar year.

He also attended the Wales v Barbarians clash in June with his family, whilst he was recovering from frostbite after summiting Everest before he made his way to Denali in Alaska.

WRU President Dennis Gethin commented: “Richard’s 737 Challenge will rank as one of the greatest Welsh achievements of all time. He is certainly an inspiration and I know that everyone at the Welsh Rugby Union has continued to be impressed by this remarkable feat. I shared my sentiments with Richard at his homecoming reception at the Senedd last month and I look forward to welcoming Richard and his family to the Millennium Stadium this weekend.”  

Richard stated: “I am really excited about being invited as a special guest to this week’s game.  One of my proudest moments was representing my country on the rugby field and I'm honoured to have had the support of the WRU throughout my 737 Challenge.  To be presented with a gold and silver WRU badge by Roger Lewis and Carwyn Jones at last years Investec Perpetual International against New Zealand was an honour I took very seriously, and was very proud to wear the Fleur De Lys on my Rab expedition jacket to the summit of Mt. Everest."

"Since returning home to Wales I've been overwhelmed and humbled by all the support I've had from the Welsh public and the rugby community.  It's been a privilege to support Marie Curie Cancer Care and to represent Wales through my 737 Challenge and it will be an honour to take to the pitch on Saturday and thank everyone for their amazing support”.

Close to 70,000 tickets have now been sold which already delivers a record crowd for any summer rugby international at the venue.
Tickets for Wales v England are available at £30 for adults and £15 for children at the WRU website or by calling the ticket hotlines 08442 777 888 or 02920 230130.