Parker relishing capital challenge

Ospreys centre Sonny Parker admits he is looking for a new challenge in the capital after agreeing to join London Welsh next season.

The 34-year-old joined Ospreys in 2004 and has made 157 appearances for the region, scoring 29 tries, but this will be his last season at the Liberty Stadium. The tough-tackling centre began his career in his native New Zealand with Auckland Marist, before a spell with the New Zealand Maori Colts. He moved to the northern hemisphere and enjoyed a stint with Italian side Viadana before moving to Pontypridd and then to Celtic Warriors. But it was the switch to Swansea that really kick-started his career and the Thames-born three-quarter made 31 appearances for Wales, scoring 30 points. He was part of two World Cup squads and was also a member of the Wales squad that took the 2008 Grand Slam. Parker is looking forward to a change of clubs and made it clear that he is not going to the Old Deer Park outfit to just make up the numbers. "I don't commit myself to anything unless I can do it 100 per cent," he told the club's official site. "I want to play games and I want to win games for London Welsh. "It's also fresh start for me in London. I want to play some good rugby and hopefully I'll enjoy my time at the club." The powerful back will link up with former Ospreys coach Lyn Jones in Richmond, who feels that the club's latest acquisition could make a real difference to the club whatever division they play in. "Sonny was a very good international player and is still an excellent rugby player," he said. "We're delighted to have him on board for next season - he'll give us an attacking edge whether that's in the Championship or the Premiership."