First playing for Newport RFC in 1889-90 Fred Parfitt won 9 Welsh caps 1893-96, five of them with Newport partner Percy Phillips. He scored a try against England in January 1894. He was a member of two unbeaten Newport sides, Newport United 1890-91 and 1st XV 1891-92. Fred played for Newport through to and including the 1896-97 season.
Also played for Bath and Somerset and was subsequently an international at Bowls.