25 Oct 2017

NZ-born Parkes named in Welsh squad

7:07 am on 25 October 2017

New Zealand-born centre Hadleigh Parkes is one of five uncapped players in Welsh coach Warren Gatland's 36-man squad for Tests against Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Georgia.

Hadleigh Parkes dots down for Welsh side Scarlets.

Hadleigh Parkes dots down for Welsh side Scarlets. Photo: Photosport

The 30-year-old will only become available to represent Wales under the three- year residency rule in time for the final Test on December 2 against the Springboks.

Parkes played Super rugby for the Blues, the Hurricanes and the South African side the Southern Kings before signing with Welsh club the Scarlets at the end of 2014 .

He also captained Auckland in the National Provincial Championship after returning to his homeland from playing for the Eastern Province Kings in South Africa's Currie Cup in 2013.

Parkes made his Scarlets debut off the bench in the Champions Cup match against Ulster. His first start came two weeks later in the west Wales derby against the Ospreys.

"I'm really excited about this squad as we kick off the two-year countdown to the 2019 Rugby World Cup," Gatland said on Wednesday (NZ time) in a statement.

"We see this series as an opportunity to expose some players to the Test environment and continue to build our game as we look ahead to (the World Cup in) two years time."

Gatland also recalled first five-eighth Rhys Priestland who has made a strong start to the season with his English club Bath.

Several regulars were left out including experienced centre Jamie Roberts and lock Luke Charteris. Flanker Ross Moriarty and prop Gethin Jenkins are injured.

"The important message for those players who have missed out: the door isn't closed," Gatland added.

Meanwhile, Christchurch-born midfielder Phil Burleigh is one of 10 uncapped players named in the Scotland squad.

Burleigh played for the Highlanders, Chiefs and Bay of Plenty before linking up with the Edinburgh club in 2014.

Scotland face the All Blacks at Murrayfield on November 19, in between matches against Samoa and Australia.

WALES

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Rob Evans, Wyn Jones, Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Leon Brown, Kristian Dacey, Ken Owens, Elliot Dee, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones, Seb Davies, Adam Beard, Cory Hill, Justin Tipuric, Sam Cross, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi.

Backs: Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Aled Davies, Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Rhys Priestland, Owen Williams, Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan, Alex Cuthbert, Steffan Evans, Hallam Amos, Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny.

SCOTLAND

Forwards: Simon Berghan, Jamie Bhatti, John Barclay, Scott Cummings, Cornell du Preez, Zander Fagerson, Ross Ford, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Rob Harley, Luke Hamilton, Darryl Marfo, Stuart McInally, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie, Tim Swinson, Ben Toolis, George Turner, Ryan Wilson, Hamish Watson.

Backs: Phil Burleigh, Alex Dunbar, Dougie Fife, Nathan Fowles, Chris Harris, Nick Grigg, Stuart Hogg, Peter Horne, Ruaridh Jackson, Lee Jones, Huw Jones, Byron McGuigan, Ali Price, Henry Pyrgos, Finn Russell, Tommy Seymour

- Reuters