The Ospreys centre steps in for Hook, his domestic team-mate, who has been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour to South Africa.

Parker won the last of his 31 caps almost a year ago during Wales’ tour in South Africa.

"Sonny is a seasoned professional, we know exactly what we are getting with him and we know he won't let us down at this level," said Wales coach Robin McBryde.

"He brings a pedigree and level of experience which is unquestioned and we are fortunate to be able to call on someone of his calibre at short notice.

"James goes to South Africa with whole of Wales behind him, the call-up will be a real dream come true for him and we also know he won't let the Lions down.

"He is a player of mercurial talents and the rugby world will be excited by the prospect of having James Hook on the Lions tour.

"We have obviously lost some of James' versatility in terms of the positions he could cover, but we had selected him primarily as a centre on this tour and we are confident Sonny will be a more than able replacement in that sense.

"Sonny now has a very real chance to re-establish himself on the international scene after an injury lay-off ruled him out for much of 2009."