Patchell retires and joins Dragons as coach

Rhys Patchell won 22 caps for Wales

Former Wales fly-half and full-back Rhys Patchell has retired and joined Dragons as a part-time kicking coach.

The 32-year-old has been working with Filo Tiatia's squad throughout pre-season as they build towards the start of the United Rugby Championship (URC) at the end of the month.

Patchell, who won 22 caps and played at the 2019 World Cup, came through at Cardiff and went on to play for Scarlets, winning the Pro12 title in 2017.

He left the Llanelli club in 2023 and, after talks about joining Dragons as a player, had spells with the Highlanders in New Zealand and NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu in Japan.

"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," said Patchell.

"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."

Patchell scored over 600 points for Cardiff and was the top scorer in the Pro12 in 2016.

He made his Wales debut in 2013 and played in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

"In the end, I'm most proud of my perseverance - dealing with injuries and maintaining the belief that I could come back and perform at the same level, if not better, after each setback," said Patchell, whose year in Japan is to feature in a new S4C documentary.

"Playing for Wales, competing in the World Cup and the Six Nations at the Principality Stadium were unforgettable moments, but what I'll remember most are the people I did it all with.

"Those who supported me from the sidelines - driving me to training, washing kit, feeding me - all those things. And the teammates I put my boots on alongside and rolled up my sleeves with."

Rhys Patchell made his Wales debut in 2013

Helping Dragons get their kicks

Having called time on his playing career to begin coaching Patchell will spend a couple of days a week with Dragons.

He is working closely with fly-halves Tinus de Beer, Angus O'Brien, Jac Lloyd and Harri Ford, with full-back Cai Evans on the comeback trail from a serious Achilles injury.

Dragons had a success rate of 62.5% when kicking penalties and 69.8% for conversions in the URC last season while they did not score any tries from kicks.

"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," said head coach Tiatia.

"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."

Dragons enjoyed a 45-12 friendly win at Hartpury University RFC last weekend and host Scarlets in another warm-up at Rodney Parade on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Tiatia's side get the URC under way against Ulster in Belfast on Friday, 26 September.