Nottingham’s Gwyn Parks on his journey from BUCS Super Rugby to the Championship

By Peter Ryan

There is something special about a Wednesday for rugby fans. That’s because the future generation battles it out in the BUCS Rugby Super League.

Many tremendous talents have competed on a Wednesday. Among them is Gwyn Parks, whose journey from Swansea University to Ampthill and Nottingham marks him as a rising talent.

He is a player who shines brightest when the pressure is greatest. The Welsh-qualified fly-half knows how to create moments that live long in the memory.

He has a great story, from orchestrating historic upsets to performing in the Championship.

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Rugby is in his blood

“Rugby is a big part of my life and my family’s life – I love competing,” he said. “When I was younger, it was all about playing for Wales and reaching the top level.

“As I’ve got older, it’s become more about enjoying every moment, making memories, and trying to become not just a better player, but a better person.

“Ultimately, I just want to make my friends and family proud of what I do.”

Rugby was always going to play a significant role in Parks’ life. He is a competitor able to represent England or Wales.

Eligible for Wales through his father, David from Gwent, Parks is also the cousin of former Wales flanker Richard Parks.

Rising through the Exeter Chiefs academy ranks, his talent was evident. He can pull the strings at fly-half.

Parks’ kicking game is exceptional, whether in open play or off the tee. Raised in a rugby-centred environment, he honed his education at Wellington School and King’s College in Taunton.

After his time at Exeter College ended, it was time to cross the Severn to Swansea University.

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Swansea University

Parks made his mark during his time at the university. The fly-half was part of a strong Swansea side.

Throughout the 2021/22 season, Parks helped the team achieve some significant milestones. Thanks to week-in, week-out excellence, he rose above the rest.

The playmaker was crowned BUCS Super Rugby Player of the Year in 2022. A year that would contain big upsets and silverware.

That year, Swansea achieved a monumental victory at Cyncoed. That day, the fly-half’s drop goals cut through the harsh Cardiff wind to secure a historic upset against Cardiff Met.

The result perfectly illustrates how good this Swansea team was. Going toe-to-toe with a formidable Cardiff Met side and getting the job done is no mean feat.

The drop goal etched his name deeper into the rugby conversation. A moment that was replayed and remembered across Welsh rugby circles.

Later that season, he would help steer Swansea to a significant win over Cardiff University. Parks talked about how it felt to hit those memorable drop goals.

Confidence

“The drop goals were special, but when I look back, I know the only reason I even attempted them was because I was playing with confidence,” he added. “Any player knows that confidence brings out your best.

“That confidence came from the coaches, Hooky and Gus, and the boys I was playing alongside.”

The roar of Varsity crowds fell silent in 2020 and 2021 as COVID-19 put the historic rivalry on pause.

This meant the energy was palpable going into the 2022 encounter. In a physical game where every tackle counted, Swansea prevailed, lifting the Welsh Varsity Cup.

Swansea powered past their opposition, with tries from Benji and Harry Williams and sharp kicking from Parks leading the charge.

The university game has become an important part of a young player’s development, and there’s no doubt Parks will have fond moments from his Swansea days.

“My time at Swansea Uni made me fall back in love with the sport, especially in my final year.

“It was the perfect balance of rugby, studies, and social life. All three together definitely helped me achieve what I did on the pitch.

“Some of my fondest memories were at Swansea, and I still think about them now.”

Once his time at Swansea came to an end, Ampthill came calling.

Arrival in the Championship

Hot off a successful period in Wales, Parks signed for Ampthill. Throughout his initial season with the club, he made a lasting impression.

As he had at Swansea, the fly-half rose to the occasion in high-pressure moments. Ampthill’s spectacular win over Cambridge showed Parks stepping up for his team.

In a gripping clash, Parks handled the pressure and landed two long-range kicks in the dying minutes to deliver a 37–28 victory.

The following season, he would put in another stellar performance against London Scottish. The fly-half talked about making the move to the Championship.

“Playing at Ampthill was definitely different, and a step up,” he explained. “I went from being a big fish in a small pond to a small fish in a big pond.

“Tommy (Paul Turner) tested me like no coach ever has. He was hard on me, but it always made me feel like I had to prove a point, and it definitely helped me in the long run.”

Following two seasons at Ampthill, Parks set out on a new chapter, joining Nottingham to further his journey.

Nottingham

“By the end of my second season, it felt like the right time to make the move to Nottingham, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment since,” Parks said.

“The club has always treated me well. It’s a great place with big aspirations.

“It’s also the first time in my playing career that I’ve had a corporate job alongside rugby, which the club helped set up.

“In many ways, it’s been a huge benefit. It keeps my mind from being constantly focused on rugby (thinking about performances or the next game), and the balance really works for me.

“I was a bit unlucky with injuries last year, but hopefully this season I can really show what I’m about, and I believe Nottingham is the right club for that.”

In June 2024, Parks took on a new chapter in Nottingham. His first league start came against the Doncaster Knights.

Parks grew into a key figure in Nottingham’s backline with each passing week. By season’s end, he had 18 appearances and 29 points. Proving his rising influence.

Blessed

He was a consistent presence in wins against Coventry and Doncaster. Nottingham finished seventh in a competitive league, and they will look to do exciting things in a new era for the Championship.

“This year, the goal is to help Nottingham finish as high as possible in the newly reformed Championship league,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in playing abroad at some point.

“With the way rugby is right now, that’s probably the only move that would really appeal to me.

“That said, I’m open to any opportunity that feels like it would add value to my life.

“Right now, though, I’m really happy with how things are going at Nottingham and the balance I have both on and off the field.”

Blessed with talent and composure, Parks looks destined for big things. His story is still being written, and the subsequent chapters promise to be compelling.

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