RugbyJP spoke to Ebbw Vale back-row forward and Canadian international Siôn Parry whose currently in Japan ahead of his country’s upcoming Pacific Nations Cup fifth-place play-off next week.
Wales-born Parry, 25, who studied at the renowned Whitchurch High School in Cardiff which nurtured Welsh sporting legends such as Sam Warburton and Gareth Bale, missed Canada’s opening two losses to Japan and USA due to an ankle strain.
The fit-again former Pontypridd player, whose been part of the Canada setup since 2023, has recovered in time to make the trip to Japan where his country will expect to face Tonga or Samoa on 14 September at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium.
RugbyJP: Can you tell us a little about your rugby background growing up in Rhiwbina and going to the Whitchurch High School? Who was your rugby idol growing up?
Siôn: Growing up I started playing rugby as soon as I could in north Wales, and then in Cardiff for my local team Rhiwbina and then for my school Whitchurch who has some well-known alumni. From there I played men’s for Rhiwbina, then Bedwas, Pontypridd and now Ebbw Vale. Growing up I always idolised my dad and Richie McCaw, I wanted to be like both of them on the pitch.
RugbyJP: At what point in your career did you start to seriously consider the idea of playing for Canada?
Siôn: It was only last summer when I had more time than usual on my hands due to being away travelling, and I thought why not give Canada a go seeing as my mother was born there.
RugbyJP: Is it a true story that you were was called up by Canada in 2023 after Kingsley saw a highlights video of you that had been sent to him by a mutual contact?
Siôn: Yes, it’s true that Kingsley picked me up thanks to my highlight video, well worth it!
RugbyJP: The 2023 Rugby World Cup marked the first time in history that Canada failed to qualify for the tournament. How difficult a time was that for rugby in Canada? What do you put this down to? Siôn: It was pretty difficult, especially for players who had been involved with the team for longer, it hurt. I think there’s a big difference in opportunity for Canada to play as many games as other countries since Covid, most years we would only have around four games, which would make it difficult for any nation to prepare properly.
RugbyJP: What are your thoughts on the Super Rygbi Cymru? Was it a difficult decision to leave Ponty for Ebbw Vale? Siôn: I think the Super Rygbi Cymru will bring more competition to the league as there will be less teams with more players to pick from. It was difficult to leave Pontypridd after quite a few years, but it was a good opportunity for myself.
RugbyJP: What are your thoughts on the new format of the Pacific Nations Cup which includes six teams and will see the semi-finals and final played in Japan? Siôn: I think the new format is great, it gives the teams involved a good chance to be together for a decently long period. And the layout with finals being played in Japan is great.
RugbyJP: Who do you regard as the favourites to win the Pacific Nations Cup?
Siôn: I think Fiji would be the most obvious choice having won it so many times, but I think it will be a strong competition
RugbyJP: How eager are you to play in Japan when they host the second half of the tournament?
Siôn: It would be a great experience for myself having never been to Japan, or played against them before.
RugbyJP: What are your personal goals for the Pacific Nations Cup and your hopes for the team? Siôn: My personal goals are to start in as many tests as possible and hopefully as a team we can win some silverware. Pacific Nations Cup Standings and Schedule:
6 September Tonga v Fiji - Pool A - Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nukuʻalofa, Tonga 7 September Japan v USA - Pool B - Kumagaya Rugby Ground, Saitama 14 September Fifth-place play-off: Pool A Last Place v Canada - Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
1st Semi-Final: Pool A Winner v Pool B Runner-Up - Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo 15 September 2nd Semi-Final: Pool A Runner-Up v Pool B Winner - Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo 21 September Bronze Final: Semi-Final 1 Loser v Semi-Final 2 Loser - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka Grand Final: Semi-Final 1 Winner v Semi-Final 2 Winner - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka
Stay tuned to RugbyJP for coverage of the Pacific Nations Cup play-offs, semi-finals and final in Japan.
Picture courtesy of Rugby Canada
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