Departing Wales star Hadleigh Parkes confirms Japan move in emotional farewell statement

The 29-times-capped international has penned a moving column to pay tribute to the people of Wales

Hadleigh Parkes has confirmed his move to Japan in a moving statement paying tribute to the support he has received from the people of Wales.

The Scarlets centre is to join the Panasonic Wild Knights this summer, with the deal being confirmed on Monday.

It brings to an end a solid international career with Wales, with the 32-year-old never letting anyone down in the red jersey.

He was capped 29 times and featured in the World Cup semi-final last year, while also earning silverware with the west Wales region.

In his BBC Sport column, Parkes explained his decision to call time on his Wales career and his thoughts about a country he and his wife have "fallen in love with".

"Wales is a pretty special place. It is a beautiful country, it has a proud rugby heritage and it has wonderful, passionate people," he wrote.

"For my wife Suzy and me, it has been an incredible six seasons in Wales. We have loved every moment of it both on and off the rugby field.

"It is where our daughter Ruby was born last year, it is where we have made lifelong friends who have become like family to us and it is a country we have loved exploring every corner of. It has felt like home to us.

"If you had told me in 2014 when we rocked up, the journey that we would go on in Wales, I simply wouldn't have believed you. It has been incredible.

"I have loved playing in front of the Scarlets faithful week in and week out. It is such a great club and winning the PRO12 title in 2017 was huge and great reward for all our loyal supporters.

"The Scarlets supporters have been amazing and some of the big European away trips have felt like home matches thanks to them following the team in their thousands. They are a proud bunch and I have loved being a Scarlet.

"Playing for Wales has been a huge honour.

"To represent the country, to wear that famous jersey and to give everything you have whilst in it has been an incredible experience.

"The support I have had from across the nation has been overwhelming and I have been so proud to play my part."

The New Zealand-born star will join Saracens' George Kruis at the Panasonic club, with his move to the Far East also being confirmed on Monday. Parkes went on to detail why he believed it was time to move on and seek a new challenge in his professional life.

He revealed it was a far from easy decision to leave Wales.

He added: "Our time in Wales, though, has come to an end. As a family we have made the hard rugby decision to leave the country we have fallen in love with and to head to Japan where a new adventure awaits.

"It certainly wasn't a quick or easy decision but when you have to weigh up your family's future, it is an incredible opportunity for us and we are really excited about what lies ahead.

"I was lucky enough to spend eight or nine weeks in Japan last year. It is a special country and we are looking forward to immersing ourselves in the culture and the lifestyle.

"I'm excited to get back on the field with the opportunity to play with the Panasonic Wild Knights. The Panasonic club has great history and big ambitions so it is an exciting time to be joining them.

"As we get ready to leave Wales we would like to thank everyone that has played a part in our time here. Supporters, team-mates, management and all our friends have made our time here so special. It will be hard leaving.

"I would also like to thank Suzy for her continued support and for allowing me to follow my rugby dream - I'm excited about our next chapter."