Parks signs for Connacht

Parks has played 51 games in the Heineken Cup, scoring 537 points, and will be in the frame for selection when Cardiff Blues travel to the Aviva Stadium to take on reigning champions, Leinster Rugby, in the quarter-final on Saturday, 7 April. He is also the RaboDirect Pro 12's all-time leading points scorer with a phenomenal 1,322 points to his name.

The pivotal position was an area Connacht identified for strengthening and the 33-year-old, New South Wales born playmaker will be charged with bringing through Connacht's emerging talent whilst helping to turn some of the club's narrow losses into significant victories.

Connacht Backs Coach, Billy Millard, spent two seasons with the Cardiff Blues and he was key to enticing Parks to Connacht. Millard said: "I'm excited about working with Dan, especially in the setup we have here at the moment. He's an absolute professional and I think he will bring an extra layer of experience to the squad. We spoke at length about the ambitions of Connacht Rugby, Dan knew the culture of the club and respected what we're trying to do here and this was one of the main reasons he agreed to come to Connacht. He is a great guy, a leader and will add value on and off the field"

Parks added: "It's been a huge decision in my life to move away from Cardiff to Connacht but a move which I am thrilled about. There is a fantastic mix of youth and experience at the club and for me I am really excited about the future of Connacht rugby. With my nine years of playing in the league I will be looking to bring that experience to Galway. I am looking forward to the next two seasons and the great challenges that will come with it. The four coaches Eric, Dan, Billy and Mike have lots of energy and are very determined to make Connacht rugby a fun and successful club. I am very happy to be joining a club which I believe is on the up and has a very bright future ahead."