After being axed in a mass clear-out by Welsh regional team Scarlets, Wales flyhalf Rhys Patchell leapt at the opportunity to play Super Rugby with the Highlanders.
The 30-year-old playmaker, who has won 22 caps for Wales, was one of 15 senior players, including British & Irish Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny, released by the cash-strapped Scarlets last year. Halfpenny has since joined defending Super Rugby champions the Crusaders.
When the chance came up for Patchell to also play Super Rugby in New Zealand with the Dunedin-based Highlanders, he packed his bags.
“I wanted something which would excite me and force me to look at the game differently,” Patchell told AFP on Tuesday. “When it came across my desk, it was like ‘yup, this spins my wheels'”.
He hopes to make his Super Rugby debut when the Highlanders kick off their season next month at home to Moana Pasifika, whose backs coach is former Wales and Lions star Stephen Jones.
“I’m very aware that not everyone gets this opportunity,” Patchell said of his switch to Super Rugby.
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“When I was at the Scarlets and knew I was leaving without anything lined up, as much as it was nerve-wracking, it was also quite exciting, that the world was out there. I’m keen to make the most of this on and off the field.”
Patchell says the Highlanders training set-up has been a “real eye opener”. But the main difference he has noticed is the speed in training during New Zealand’s summer months, after his week-long holiday in wintry Wales over Christmas.
“Fast. It’s really, really fast,” he said. “The ball is dry and the pitches good, so it’s conducive to a faster game.”
He is relishing the challenge of testing himself against New Zealand’s best players: “It’s a bit like playing Test rugby, I should imagine.
“You can only try and prep yourself for how fast the game is going to be until you get out there.”
The Welshman is bracing himself for some bone-crunching tackles. “I think the biggest thing will probably be the physicality.
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“There are some pretty athletic, powerful individuals roaming around the squad at the Highlanders.”
Patchell is following in the footsteps of ex-England flyhalf Freddie Burns, who spent last season playing for the Dunedin-based side.
On the eve of the Six Nations, Patchell has joined the Highlanders with the blessing of Wales coach, New Zealander Warren Gatland.
“‘Gats’ has really kindly dropped me a lovely text after it got announced, wishing me all the best,” Patchell said.
“He’s got the making of a young exciting squad that he can mould for the next four years leading into 2027,” Patchell added ahead of the next Rugby World Cup, hosted by Australia.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
