Parks quits Scotland after defeat

Edinburgh, Scotland — Scotland flyhalf Dan Parks quit international rugby with immediate effect on Tuesday, three days after making the mistake that gave England a match-winning try in their Six Nations opener.

The 33-year-old Parks was standing in for the injured Ruaridh Jackson at Murrayfield when his clearing kick on his own line was charged down by Charlie Hodgson for the only try in England's 13-6 victory.

Parks says he first thought of quitting after Scotland was knocked out of last year's Rugby World Cup by England.

"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," Parks said. "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."