Extreme environment athlete and former rugby player Richard Parks was awarded the Blyth Spirit Award at the 2014 Rugby Players’ Association awards dinner last night at Battersea Evolution in London.
Richard joins an elite and inspirational list of names from the world of rugby to have won the award, such as Michael Lynagh, Jonah Lomu, Matt Hampson and Andy Blyth. The award, in association with Towergate Insurance, is a special presentation from the RPA members for outstanding courage in the face of adversity. Richard won the award following his record setting expeditions in the world’s most extreme environments. In January this year he become the fastest ever Brit to ski solo, unsupported and unassisted to the South Pole and in 2011 his epic 737 Challenge saw him become the first person to climb the highest mountain on each of the world’s 7 continents and stand on all 3 poles within 7 months.
Richard stated; “I am very proud and humbled to win this award. To be recognised by the Rugby Players Association here in London after so many incredible and inspirational characters have won this award, is both humbling and an honour. I would like to say a massive thank you to the RPA Players’ Board for nominating me for the award.”
Other awards presented at the The RPA Computacenter Players’ Awards last night included the RPA England player of year, which was won by Mike Brown, the Special Award, won by Steve Borthwick and Leicester winger Vereniki Goneva was crowned 2014 Players’ Player of the Year.
This is the second major rugby award Richard has won in recent years. In 2012 he was awarded the Rugby Writers’ Club Special Award, which was previously awarded to the likes of Phil Vickery, Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Ian McGeechan.
RELATED LINKS
www.richardparks.co.uk