Hadleigh Parkes: Scarlets centre re-signs with region despite outside interest

Hadleigh Parkes has made 54 appearances for Scarlets since joining from Auckland in 2014

Scarlets centre Hadleigh Parkes has re-signed with the region despite strong overtures from the Cardiff Blues and a number of English Premiership sides.

The 29-year-old Kiwi will qualify for Wales in December next year, and is seen by the WRU hierarchy as a potential Wales international.

It is understood that his international prospects were a key factor in his decision to stay with the region.

Parkes regularly captains the side when Ken Owens is on international duty.

The former Auckland three-quarter has become one of the region's most reliable players and played every minute of every regular season game last season, scoring five tries.

His performances won him the Fans' Player of the Season and Management Player of the season last year.