1
Hayden Parker's price tag keeps moving up as the world's most accurate goal kicker
Sunwolves flyhalf Hayden Parker has cemented himself as New Zealand’s best goal kicker over the last two seasons with a record streak of 38 consecutive goal kicks followed by another run of 32 consecutive goal kicks. His astounding 97.4% success rate over the last two years at Super Rugby level makes him the most accurate goal kicker in the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
There’s a reason why Hayden Parker has converted 70 of his past 71 kicks for the Sunwolves.
Check this out…pic.twitter.com/LJlAJGOtZ3
— TheRugbyPaper (@TheRugbyPaper) March 29, 2019
The local Otago product came through the Highlanders system but found his road blocked by Colin Slade and then Lima Sopoaga, spending most of the time as a back-up over a five year period. Unable to get regular game time, Parker moved to the Japan Top League on a short-term deal, before the former Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph picked up Parker for the Sunwolves in 2017.
Despite notching 50 caps for the Sunwolves, he has only made 8 appearances in the Top League and appeared just once in 2018 for his new team Kobe Steelers as Dan Carter took over the starting duties. With the Sunwolves set to be axed from 2020, is Parker going to be the most sought after player?
What's a 90%+ kicker worth in northern hemisphere rugby? Would be very surprised if Hayden Parker doesn't sign with someone before the end of Super Rugby.
— Karl (@NaRuagairi) March 30, 2019
The @SouthernKingsSA should splash some of their new cash and sign Hayden Parker
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) March 29, 2019
Hayden Parker is the best kicker in rugby history. There, I’ve said it! #WARvSUN
— Ollie Silverton (@olliegs64) March 29, 2019
Hayden Parker is the best kicker in the world. Ever.
DC, Wilko, Mehrts, Ronan, Morne, Percy and even our Leigh and Jenks. He’s got them all.
Got it on a string ?????? #WARvSUN
— Lloyd Jones (@LloydJones1882) March 29, 2019
Hayden Parker’s schedule has some holes in it now, I wonder what his plans are for next year
— Andrew Brogan (@AndrewBrogan) March 29, 2019
not be dramatic, but if you're watching Hayden Parker play today, you're probably witnessing the best kicking performance in all of rugby history pic.twitter.com/I7lfpgmWbC
— meanderthal (@HonkyDaFonky) March 29, 2019
The 28-years-old Kiwi is on a path to become eligible for the Japan national side under World Rugby’s residency laws but with his growing reputation as the world’s best kicker, you would think cashed-up clubs will come calling, particularly in the Premiership where the threat of relegation can turn late-season games into goal-kicking shootouts.
A few corners in New Zealand have also called on Parker to return home, with goal kicking being somewhat of a thorn in the side of New Zealand flyhalves recently. There are potentially three New Zealand franchises that do not have an established flyhalf that could use Parker, including his former hometown team the Highlanders who said goodbye to Lima Sopoaga last year.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Chiefs have used Marty McKenzie recently and shown a preference for using Damian McKenzie at fullback, while the Blues have three young talents trying to establish themselves as the starter.
Where he eventually lands is unknown but one thing is for sure, whoever signs Parker is going to have to pay more than they would have 12-months ago, which could rule out a return home to New Zealand.
Jake Gordon re-signs with Rugby Australia:
Comments on RugbyPass
The game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
21 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
25 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
10 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
37 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
37 Go to comments