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Sion Parry has been one of Ebbw Vale’s standout players on the way to the Super Rygbi Cymru final
On Sunday, Sion Parry could help Ebbw Vale go one better than last year and lift the Super Rygbi Cymru crown.
However, a year from now, he could find himself preparing for the World Cup in Australia, readying himself to take on the likes of Argentina and Fiji. Reading through the list of clubs from Canada’s squad list, the Steelmen stick out a little from the likes of Castres, Agen, New England Free Jacks and Seattle Seawolves.
It’s a remarkable tale; the 27-year-old from Rhiwbina is thriving in Wales’ semi-professional game, while also making his way in the Test arena with Canada.
Back in 2023, Kingsley Jones called up Parry after seeing a highlights video of the former Whitchurch High captain during his time at Pontypridd.
Qualifying through his mother, who is from Ontario, Parry has gone on to win 16 caps – scoring four tries.
All things going well, Parry will be involved with Canada during their Nations Cup campaign this summer against Spain, Portugal and Wales’ World Cup pool opponents Zimbabwe.
However, the World Cup Down Under next year remains the big draw. Having not qualified for the last two World Cups, Canada will make their return to the tournament next year.
“It was awesome when we qualified for the World Cup,” says Parry. “For Canada, all roads are leading to there.
“It’s about putting our best foot forward and performing when we get there.
“The women have gone really well too, recently. It’s a good time for Canadian rugby.”
After a couple of years, the novelty of playing Test rugby hasn’t yet worn off for Parry.
“It’s unreal,” he adds. “I can’t play any higher than that.
“It’s just awesome, all of it. To be able to go on tour, see new places, meet new people and experience things you wouldn’t normally, it’s class.”
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While Parry’s Canada team-mate, former Ospreys second-row Tyler Ardron, is currently earning his keep in France’s rugby riches, the trade Parry is plying is a little more modest.
“I’m a carpenter,” he says. “It’s not too bad.
“I’m self-employed. It can work out quite well in the summer, when I need to go to Canada.
“It’s probably not ideal, really. But it’s the way it’s happened. You just deal with it the best you can.”
While that flexibility will come in handy later in the summer, Parry – who was man of the match in Ebbw Vale’s semi-final win over reigning champions Newport last week – is only focusing on helping the Steelmen to some long-awaited silverware.
“It should be a good game,” he says. “Fingers crossed it all goes well for us.
“It’s been good. Apart from the last month, we were winning nearly every game. We had a bit of a blip, but we’ve come good again.
“I’ve enjoyed this season. I just enjoy playing there. It’s a good coaching staff and group of players, so it’s good fun.
“It would be a great way to cap the season. Especially after last season, when we reached two finals and didn’t win either, it would be great to get some silverware.
“It’s been a long wait for us as a team, so it’ll be good to get going on Sunday.”
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