Leeds Career

Former Gloucester hooker James Parkes, made his Leeds Carnegie debut against London Welsh at Headingley Carnegie as the team began their National One campaign. James had joined the club that summer on a two year contract and in his first season he battled it out with Rob Rawlinson to be the team's first choice hooker. He made four starts throughout the campaign but was predominantly used over to make an impact from the bench, featuring a further 16 times as replacement. With the arrival of Vili Ma'asi the following season competition for places was stronger.  James did however 10 appearances for the team in the Guinness Premiership and a further 7 appearances in the Cup competition.  He left the club at the end of the 2007-08 season, having played in 39 games for the club.

Rugby Career

Before joining the Leeds Carnegie James had spent two seasons at Kingsholm impressing in the 2004-05 season when he started in four of the club's six games in the Heineken Cup. Appearances in the 2005-06 season were limited with competition for places strong, due to internationals Olivier Azam and Mefin Davies both at the club. Parkes signed for Gloucester from Saracens where he had spent five seasons, making a number of appearances for the club, after he made his senior debut aged 20 against London Irish. He made 26 Premiership appearances for Gloucester and Saracens and he also had a spell on loan at Worcester at the end of the 2002-03 season.
James had spent his formative rugby years at Plymouth Albion whilst at Ivybridge College, the same school attended by Leeds captain Stuart Hooper. Parkes featured in a pre season friendly game for Plymouth when he was 18 before he attracted the attentions of Saracens and he followed class mate Stuart Hooper to Vicarage Road.

Personal Details

His favourite television programme is Deal or No Deal and he likes various types of music. If he was Prime Minister the first rule he would make would be to introduce a four day working week. His childhood hero was his mother and the player he most admired is Richard Hill.