The 32-year-old, New Zealand-born centre won 29 caps between 2017 and last year’s World Cup and is expected to take up an offer to play in Japan with the Panasonic White Knights. Parkes arrived at Parc y Scarlets in October 2014 from Auckland and has gone on to play 122 matches in a Scarlets jersey over six seasons, scoring 13 tries.
He was the Scarlets ‘Player of the Season’ in 2015-16 after playing every minute of every Guinness PRO12 match and was a key member of the title-winning squad of 2017. His ultra-consistent performances at the heart of the Scarlets three-quarter line earned him a Wales Test call-up that year and a place in Warren Gatland’s World Cup squad in 2019.
The Scarlets have also confirmed that head coach Brad Mooar will return to New Zealand to link up with All Blacks before the region return to training ahead of any possible resumption of the 2019-20 season.
Fellow Kiwi Glenn Delaney will take over from Mooar, while forwards coach Ioan Cunningham is also leaving after nine years in the coaching system at the region. Sports therapist Alice Rees is also leaving the Scarlets after five years as a member of the medical team.
In addition to Parkes, seven other players are also leaving the region – Kieron Fonotia, Corey Baldwin, Jonathan Evans, Morgan Williams, Simon Gardiner, Rhys Fawcett and Tom James, who is retiring from professional rugby.
Scrum half Evans, another member of the title winning team in Dublin, leaves the Scarlets after four seasons and 52 games. Samoan centre Fonotia joined from the Ospreys two years ago and played 29 times.
Experienced tight-head prop Simon Gardiner has played 66 matches during two spells at Parc y Scarlets covering eight seasons, but has been on loan at the Ospreys since December.
“It is always difficult to say farewell to players and coaches, but far more so this season because of the current circumstances,” said Scarlets general manager of rugby, Jon Daniels.
“We would like to thank Brad for everything he has done at the Scarlets since his arrival last summer and wish him, Anna and the children, Laura, Charlie and Sam well for their return to New Zealand.
“In a short period of time Brad has immersed himself as part of the Scarlets family and culture and his popularity among our supporters speaks volumes.
“Ioan has come through the Scarlets coaching system for the last nine years and his role in our title win in 2017 can’t be overstated. To all the coaches, players, our sports therapist Alice, we are hugely grateful for what you have contributed to the Scarlets.”
