On Wednesday, it was revealed that Rhys Patchell is leaving the Dragons, where he worked as a kicking game consultant. The former fly-half will now join a URC franchise in Italy on a full-time basis.
He retired quietly last year after playing in Super Rugby for the Highlanders and in Japan for the NEC Green Rockets. Patchell transitioned from player to coach, specifically as a kicking game consultant for the Dragons on a part-time basis.
A former player and fan favorite at Cardiff, the 32-year-old Patchell tried his hand at coaching this season and will now embark on a new experience. It was confirmed on Wednesday that the former Welsh international (with 22 caps) will be joining Benetton Treviso. He will serve as the attack coach on a full-time basis. “I am very happy to join Benetton Rugby for the upcoming seasons (until June 2028),” he said in the club’s statement. “It is an exciting opportunity to join a team with such a rich roster, both in quality and quantity.”
Patchell will reunite with Wayne Pivac in Italy, whom he worked with at Scarlets and NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu. “I am delighted to work with Rhys again, after coaching him at Scarlets and the Welsh national team,” said the 63-year-old New Zealander, who will manage Benetton until 2028. “We share the same vision for the game, with an exciting style for both players and supporters.”
