Scarlets sign Auckland's Hadleigh Parkes
Tuesday 2 December 2014 17:37, UK
The Scarlets have agreed a deal for Hadleigh Parkes from New Zealand provincial side Auckland.
The 27-year-old joins his former boss Wayne Pivac, who was in charge of Auckland before he took over as the Scarlets coach.
The New Zealander has been brought in to strengthen the Scarlets’ back-line, after they lost Gareth Maule to Bristol in September and outside-centre Regan King through injury.
"It's great to see Hadleigh arrive in west Wales and join us here at Parc y Scarlets,” Pivac told the Scarlets official website. “He will add some strength and depth to the backline having played Super Rugby in both South Africa and New Zealand as a midfield back and outside back.”
Parkes, who won the national sevens competition with Auckland in 2011, will bring experience into Pivac’s side, having previously led Auckland out as captain.
He enjoyed a successful time playing in the Southern Hemisphere - he didn't miss a single game for Auckland since making his debut in 2001 - and also featured in Super Rugby for the Hurricanes, Blues and Southern Kings.
Pivac added: “At 27 years of age, he will bring leadership qualities to the team having previously captained sides in New Zealand.
“I've worked with Hadleigh for two years, he’s a well rounded player who’ll bring a lot to the squad both on and off the field.”
