Ex-Wales international quits playing to take up coaching role at the age of 32

Ex-Wales international Rhys Patchell has confirmed his retirement as a player at the age of 32 and revealed he has joined the Dragons as their part-time kicking coach.

The fly-half, who won the last of his 22 Test caps when appearing off the bench against Scotland in the 2023 Six Nations, spent the final two years of his career overseas, playing for the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific 2024 and then joining the Green Rockets in Japan.

His time in the Far East has been captured in a new S4C documentary, Rhys Patchell: Japan and the Last Kick, which will be broadcast from September 24.

Accompanying the announcement of this three-part documentary was the news that Patchell has been recruited by Filo Tiatia’s Dragons following his return home to Wales.

“Excited to have the opportunity…”

Patchell explained: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to take on this new role at the Dragons. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have worked with some great coaches and I hope to use all those experiences to help our players.

“I have loved getting on the field and working with our players as they develop their craft. The boys have worked hard in pre-season, and I’m looking forward to watching the growth in our squad.”

Head coach Tiatia added: “We are delighted to welcome Rhys into our environment for him to work with our squad.

Loose Pass: Wallabies have become ‘mentality monsters’ while R360 profiteers suffer ‘mortal blow’

“Rhys brings knowledge and experience after featuring at the highest level, playing not only in Wales but also in New Zealand with the Highlanders and most recently in Japan.

“Rhys is a young coach who is building a strong relationship with the players here and who we feel will continue to grow in the role and make an impact on the Dragons.”

Patchell began his Welsh regional rugby career with Cardiff before switching to Scarlets, where he helped them to win the 2016/17 PRO12 title.

READ MORE: The ‘pretty crazy’ All Blacks verdict on Richie McCaw joining them for Springboks rematch