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Writer's pictureMark Pickering

Pivac's NEC signs former Welsh international Rhys Patchell

Division two side NEC Green Rockets has signed former Welsh international fly-half Rhys Patchell from Super Rugby outfit the Highlanders.

Patchell, 31, who leaves the Highlanders after one season, will be reunited with his former Scarlets and Wales coach Wayne Pivac.

The Penarth native has 22 caps for his country and represented Wales at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Patchell, who started his career at his hometown Blues in Cardiff, guided the Scarlets to a stunning PRO12 title in 2017.

NEC’s latest signing (pictured below at the 2019 World Cup) will link up with countryman and former Scarlets and Wales teammate Jake Ball.

Unlike towering lock Ball, Patchell is ineligible for Wales as he falls short of the 25-cap threshold to represent the Warren Gatland’s side as a player playing overseas.

The Chiba-based side lost their promotion play-off against division one strugglers Black Rams Tokyo (95-21 aggregate score) in May but have acted quickly to replace Japanese utility back Lomano Lemeki and Namibian fly-half Tiaan Swanepoel who have both left the club this summer.

Patchell, who can play at fly-half and full-back, said: “I am delighted to be joining the NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu heading into the 2024/25 season.  

“I have some incredible memories of Japan, having made my debut for Wales in Osaka in 2013 and playing at Rugby World Cup 2019.

“I'm looking forward to experiencing a new culture and more of the incredible hospitality that Japan is renowned for. I'm excited to reconnect with old friends, and meet my new teammates and our fans very soon.” 

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