Meet Kingston's unique new dual-sport coach, who's played for the All Whites and scored against the All Blacks

Kingston City have appointed Gary Parker as their new head coach in VPL2.

Kingston were on the look out for a new head coach following the resignation of Slav Lujic, who stepped down 12 matches into the 2026 campaign, with the relegation-threatened club second from bottom having collected 13 points after last week’s 4-0 rout against Eastern Lions.

They have now turned to experienced dual-sport star Parker for the remainder of the season in Victoria’s third tier, and he is joined by assistant George Prasinos.

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Parker was most recently coaching Oakleigh Cannons’ Under-23 side, and he brings a wealth of unique experience across football, and rugby union.

In football, he was on the books of Scottish club Hearts and played for Berwick Rangers, Napier City Rovers, New Zealand XI, and Blacktown City, before moving into coaching with clubs including Dandenong City, Rowville Eagles, Berwick City.

In rugby, Parker’s career spanned both playing and coaching at elite levels, featuring matches against the All Blacks and Australia, as well as leading the Scotland Women’s national team at the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.

In 1993, he faced the All Blacks twice, playing for South of Scotland and Scotland A.

"New Zealand only gave away one try during their entire UK tour - and I scored it,” he said previously.