Rhys Patchell: Wales and Scarlets fly-half returns after year out

Scarlets fly-half Rhys Patchell played his 21st Wales international against Scotland on 31 October, 2020

Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell has spoken of his relief at playing rugby for the first time in more than a year.

Patchell made his comeback for a Scarlets development side against Dragons A at Rodney Parade last Friday.

He had last played as a Wales replacement in the rearranged Six Nations game against Scotland in October 2020.

"It was nice to be able to play again, the body felt a bit sore but it's good," said Patchell.

The 28-year-old created two tries for wing Ryan Conbeer with clever chip kicks in the 29-10 victory and added a conversion in his 60-minute appearance

"I probably wasn't running the best by the end of the 60 minutes, but I'm off the mark and that's the key," added Patchell.

"It's something to build on."

Patchell missed most of last season following a head injury while his comeback had been further delayed by hamstring and calf problems.

When he was replaced he managed a moment of reflection.

"I just sat there and managed a couple of minutes to myself when I came off the field, thinking 'yeah, great, happy, you're back'," added Patchell.

"Not back in terms of performance but back in terms of first one under the belt and up and running again.

"The boys who have a period out of the game - Ellis Jenkins and Gareth Anscombe have probably talked about that when they've come back from their injuries - you appreciate the drive in and the pre-match nerves that little bit more than you might have done.

"I think I appreciate the game a bit more now. It sounds cheesy, but after time away from the game I feel like that. You feel lucky and privileged to be a part of rugby.

"You took it for granted when playing every week and your body was robust. That is frustrating, but clearly for some reason the body wasn't ready.

"At my grand old age of 28, I have sort of come to the conclusion when your body is ready, it will let you know and you will be able to get on with what you've got to do.

"Until it's comfortable that it will be robust enough, then for some reason it seems to hold you back."

When asked whether he thought he might not get back, Patchell added: "No, it will be all right won't it? You've just got to accept that it's one of things.

"It was frustrating the more that it dragged on, the more you see games and weeks pass by. It was one small injury after the other instead of a major injury.

"But ultimately you've got to think you will get back on the field and thankfully I am off the mark now."

Patchell admitted he put his injury absence in context with other people's experiences.

"Everyone has their good and bad days, but you have to put some sort of perspective on the situation," added Patchell.

"A lot of people I know have gone through difficult times over the past few years, a few close friends have gone through difficult times as well."

Wales hooker Elliot Dee also returned for the Dragons after missing the first three autumn internationals because of a neck injury.

With Ken Owens injured, Dee could be in contention to face Australia in Wales' final autumn international on 20 November after coming through 40 minutes unscathed.

This match was among those arranged to give players game-time ahead of the resumption of the United Rugby Championship at the end of November.