Updated 14:15

CONNACHT HAVE ANNOUNCED the marquee signing of former Scotland out-half Dan Parks.

Parks’ management agency confirmed via Twitter this morning that he will leave the Cardiff Blues at the end of the season after agreeing a two-year deal with Connacht.

The province have this afternoon officially confirmed the move and head coach, Eric Elwood, said of the new out-half:

“He knows what we’re about, what we’re trying to do and his attitude and work ethic will add to the culture of the club. We are all looking forward to working with him and bringing through the next generation of Connacht players”

Parks, 31, is the leading scorer in the RaboDirect Pro12 with 1,322 points during nine seasons in the league with the Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff.

He announced his retirement from international rugby earlier this month following widespread criticism of his performance in the Calcutta Cup defeat to England.

Australian by birth, Parks qualified to represent Scotland through his grandmother and made his debut in the 2004 Six Nations, winning 66 caps in total. Ahead of the move which will see him ply his trade in Ireland until 2014, Parks was keen to look ahead to the new challenge which awaits.

“It’s been a huge decision in my life to move away from Cardiff to Connacht but a move which I am thrilled about.” He said.

“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.”

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