James Parsons (rugby union)

James William Parsons (born 27 November 1986) is a New Zealand retired Rugby union player who played as a hooker for the Blues in Super Rugby[1][2] and North Harbour in the ITM Cup.[3] He has also played two matches for the All Blacks. He is one of just 3 players that have ever become a Blues centurion and Player of the Year

James Parsons
Full nameJames William Parsons
Date of birth (1986-11-27) 27 November 1986
Place of birthPalmerston North, New Zealand
Height185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight106 kg (234 lb; 16 st 10 lb)
SchoolKing's College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker
Current team North Harbour, Blues
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2007–2021 North Harbour 106 (132)
2012–2021 Blues 115 (40)
Correct as of 15 March 2021
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–2016 New Zealand 2 (0)
2014 Barbarian F.C. 1 (0)
Correct as of 12 April 2019

Early life

He was born in Palmerston North and educated at King's College in Auckland, completing his education in 2004.

Career

He was first selected for North Harbour in 2007 and went on to become a centurion for the province. In 2012 he debuted for the Blues in Super Rugby, his first game being against the Highlanders.

After being called up to the All Blacks squad as injury cover, he made his international debut against Scotland on 15 November 2014. Parsons is one of eight All Blacks to have come from the Takapuna Rugby Club.

In 2015, he gave up his starting spot to the retiring Keven Mealamu in his 50th appearance for the Blues against Highlanders at Eden Park. Parsons would take over as the captain of the Blues the following year.

Parsons was re-selected for New Zealand in 2016, following the injury of Nathan Harris, playing off the bench against Australia in Westpac Stadium for the Bledisloe Series. Parsons was later injured himself at a training session, preventing any further game time that year. In the same year he won Blues Player of the Year.

In 2019 Parsons re-signed with the Blues until 2021.[4]

In January 2021, Parsons announced his retirement from rugby, on medical advice.[5]

Notes
  1. "James Parsons Blues Player Profile". Archived from the original on 30 September 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  2. "Blues squad announced for 2013". 31 October 2012. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  3. "James Parsons North Harbour Player Profile". Archived from the original on 28 August 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  4. "James Parsons". The Blues. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  5. ""James Parsons announces his retirement from all rugby"". All Blacks. New Zealand Rugby. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
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