The New Zealand-born centre made his Test debut for Wales against Romania in 2002, having qualified for his adopted country on residency grounds. Parker is a graduate of the Auckland academy, and was playing for Viadana in Italy when Graham Henry invited him over to Wales. He moved to Pontypridd, and now plays for the Ospreys. Parker retired from international rugby for a year, but after a change in management he returned to the Wales set-up. Parker is a direct, powerful runner, and Gareth Jenkins used him at both inside and outside centre.