Scotland's slim Six Nations hopes received a blow after fly-half Dan Parks announced his immediate retirement from international rugby.
Parks played 67 times for his country, the last appearance coming in Scotland's 13-6 defeat to England last weekend. His 266 points, including 17 drop-goals, is a Scottish record.
The 33-year-old decided to call time on his international career after a disappointing outing against the auld enemy on Saturday. His charged down kick led to Charlie Hodgson's only try of the game early in the second half. Fans of England Scotland rugby betting online odds will have been disappointed.
Parks said: "I was thinking about it but the first game of the Six Nations was against England and being able to play was huge for me.
"On reflection, after talking it over with family, I've come to the decision that now is the right time to retire."
Parks, who will continue his club career with Cardiff Blues, is the third experienced Scotland player to retire following a disappointing World Cup campaign, after Nathan Hines and Chris Paterson called time on their international careers.
Despite the loss of seasoned internationals, Parks believe the future of Scottish rugby is in good hands. He is proud of his time in a Scotland jersey.
"There are some really talented guys coming through - Jacko, Greig (Laidlaw) and Duncan (Weir) - and although I'm sad to be finishing my international career I have some fantastic memories of playing for Scotland and what that has meant to me," Parks added.
Life without Parks begins with a tough trip to Cardiff to face Wales on Sunday. It is time for the next generation of Scottish half-backs to stand up and be counted.
Head coach Andy Robinson will be hoping to unearth a new star during the rest of the Six Nations campaign.
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