Cardiff Blues recruit Dan Parks from Glasgow Warriors

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The Glasgow legacy of Dan Parks

Scotland and Glasgow Warriors fly-half Dan Parks has agreed to join Cardiff Blues at the end of the season.

Australian-born Parks, 31, has been with Warriors since 2003 and last month became the first player in Magners League history to surpass 1,000 points.

"I'm not moving club simply for a change but to win trophies. I feel the Blues are capable of that," said 47-time capped Parks.

"But my full focus will remain with Glasgow until the end of the season."

Parks said it was the right time to seek a new challenge because of the number of young players coming through the ranks at Glasgow.

He has finished the Warriors' leading scorer in each of the past six seasons and made his Scotland debut in Cardiff in 2004.

The 20 points he added in the victory over Edinburgh in the Greaves Sports 1872 Cup derby at Firhill last month saw him move onto 1,027 points scored in the Magners League.

Dan's been a real thorn in our side on a number of occasions Cardiff Blues director of rugby David Young

Cardiff Blues' director of rugby David Young said Parks was a fantastic signing for the club.

"We are obviously aware of Dan's qualities as an outside-half from numerous encounters with Glasgow over the years," Young said.

"He is a quality player who has often been the difference between the two teams and a real thorn in our side on a number of occasions.

"Dan's record as a goal kicker speaks for itself, but his distribution skills are also well recognised as he gets his back lines moving.

"He will certainly further strengthen our options at outside-half going forward next season and will bring the best out of our backs."

Glasgow coach Sean Lineen praised Parks for his point-scoring achievements and wished him well at his new club.

"Dan's records speak for themselves. He is a great lad who just loves playing rugby and has loved playing rugby for Glasgow.

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"He will be missed. Players like Ruaridh Jackson and Colin Gregor will have learned a lot from Dan and his enthusiasm has rubbed off on everyone at the club.

"He has shown tremendous character to get through some difficult times and I wish him all the very best for the future - apart from the two games we play against Cardiff."

Parks was not included in Andy Robinson's Scotland squad for the autumn internationals but his recent impressive displays for Glasgow may see him force his way back into the national side.

The Blues' first-choice fly-half Sam Norton-Knight has struggled to make an impact since arriving last summer.

Norton-Knight was brought in as a replacement for Nicky Robinson, who left for Guinness Premiership side Gloucester.

But he has played most of his professional rugby in Australia at full-back and his performances following the switch to fly-half brought much criticism in his direction.