Unusual for a new international, Parker gained his first cap against a touring side.

In 1919 Parker was chosen to play against the New Zealand Army XV, and the next season would face all the home nations.

His first game against England saw a Welsh team filled with new caps, so it was an impressive win when Wales beat their rivals 19–5, with Jerry Shea scoring 16 of the points.

Parker's first international try came in 1920 in a match against Ireland at the Cardiff Arms Park.

One of Parker's more memorable matches came in 1923 against France when, along with Steve Morris of Cross Keys, he spent large parts of the game fighting against an overly violent French squad.