Morgan Parra Explained

Morgan Parra
Birth Name:Morgan Parra
Birth Date:1988 11, df=yes
Birth Place:Metz, France
Height:5feet
Weight:77kg (170lb)
Position:Scrum-half / Fly-half
Youthyears1:1993–2003
Youthclubs1:Metz
Youthyears2:2003–2005
Youthclubs2:Dijon
Youthyears3:2005–2006
Youthclubs3:Bourgoin
Years1:2006–2009
Apps1:62
Points1:108
Years2:2009–2022
Apps2:300
Points2:2,301
Years3:2022–2023
Clubs3:Stade Français
Apps3:17
Points3:5
Repyears1:2006–2008
Repcaps1:10
Reppoints1:26
Repyears2:2008–2019
Repcaps2:71
Reppoints2:370

Morgan Parra (born 15 November 1988) is a former French rugby union player who played as a Scrum-half and occasionally Fly-half. He played most of his career with Clermont Auvergne after signing for them from Bourgoin. He is of Portuguese origin through his father, Antonio.[1] [2] [3]

Career

Parra started playing rugby aged four for Metz.[4] He made his debut for France aged 19 as a replacement against Scotland in the 2008 Six Nations Championship, making his first start for France in a defeat to England at the Stade de France. He is also a front-line goal-kicker, having taken on the mantle at Test level.[5]

At club level Parra came to prominence with Top 14 strugglers Bourgoin, before moving to heavyweights Clermont Auvergne in 2009 replacing Pierre Mignoni and striking up a strong partnership with Australian fly-half Brock James.

In 2010 Parra was instrumental in guiding France to a Six Nations Grand Slam. He was picked partly after Julien Dupuy who was first choice in the 2009 autumn internationals was banned for eye gouging. After being paired with the equally youthful François Trinh-Duc at half-back, he produced a number of masterful performances, including a rout of reigning champions Ireland at the Stade de France.

After the Grand Slam Parra's fame and popularity rose in France, and is popular not just at his club but a darling to the French media and public.

On 23 October 2021 Parra completes a record series of 48 successful penalty kicks in a row against Pau.[6]

On 5 June 2022 Parra played his last match for Clermont Auvergne as he signed to play for State Francais from 2022 onwards.[7]

Style

thumb|left|Parra directing his forwardsParra is known as a particularly vocal leader of the pack and is known in France as the petit général. He is a reliable kicker.[8]

Honours

Club

Clermont Top 14 Winner (2): 2010, 2017

European Rugby Challenge Cup Winner: 2019

International

France

Six Nations Winner: 2010

Grand Slam Winner: 2010

Rugby World Cup Runner Up: 2011

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Morgan Parra: "Portugal é muito importante para mim". pt . MaisFutebol.iol.pt. 30 August 2019.
  2. Web site: Commando Parra. 4 February 2011 . fr . LExpress.fr. 30 August 2019.
  3. Web site: Parra: En passant par la Lorraine. fr . RMCSport.bfmt.com. 30 August 2019.
  4. Web site: Parra: En passant par la Lorraine. fr . RMCSport.bfmt.com. 30 August 2019.
  5. Web site: ESPN Scrum: Morgan Parra profile. ESPN Scrum. 30 August 2019.
  6. [L'Équipe]
  7. Web site: Hans-Peter Wild confirme l'arrivée de Morgan Parra au Stade Français la saison prochaine . 2022-06-07 . L'Équipe . fr.
  8. Web site: Beware the petit general. allblacks.com. 8 March 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20160317074359/https://www.allblacks.com/News/17526/beware-the-petit-general. 17 March 2016. dead.