Patchell to join Pivac's Benetton coaching staff

ByGareth Griffiths

BBC Sport Wales

Former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell will link up with his old boss Wayne Pivac at Benetton next season in an assistant coach role.

Patchell, 32, has been named as Pivac's attack coach at the Italian side after holding part-time kicking coach positions with Dragons and Wales.

"It's an exciting opportunity to become part of a team with a squad full of high-quality players," said Patchell.

It was announced in March that former Wales coach Pivac will take charge of the United Rugby Championship (URC) side in Treviso next season.

The 63-year-old New Zealander has signed a two-year contract as first-team head coach with the Italian club until June 2028, with the option of a further two seasons, with Patchell now agreeing a similar deal.

Pivac and Patchell previously worked together at Scarlets and Japan club NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu.

"I'm pleased to reconnect with Rhys after coaching him at the Scarlets and with the Welsh national team," said Pivac.

"The last time we worked together was in Japan, where Rhys took on a player-coach role, focusing on attack and mentoring younger players.

"He had an outstanding playing career, leading the attack wearing the number 10 jersey.

"We share the same vision of the game. We want to play a style that excites both players and fans."

Benetton president Antonio Pavanello stated Patchell's appointment was at the top of Pivac's wish list.

"Wayne made specific requests, only a few, but very precise," said Pavanello.

"Among these was the choice of Patchell, which we carefully evaluated and decided to support, convinced he is the right fit for our path.

"We are confident he can make a significant contribution to the team's development and that his work will translate into tangible results on the field."

Patchell has had a part-time consultancy role with Dragons this season in his first senior coaching position.

"Rhys has been an important member of our team throughout this season as he has imparted his knowledge and experience onto our players," said Dragons coach Filo Tiatia.

"He's a young coach who has an opportunity to take on a full-time role overseas and take the next step in his coaching journey, after his recent playing retirement.

"Rhys will leave with our thanks for his efforts throughout this season and best wishes as his young family start a new adventure in Italy.

"We look forward to welcoming him back to Rodney Parade in the near future in his new role."

Patchell will continue his duties until the end of the season with Dragons, who have qualified for the Challenge Cup semi-finals - where they will face Montpellier in May.

"I'd like to thank Dragons for the opportunity to take my first steps into coaching," said Patchell.

"All the players and staff have been welcoming, and I am grateful for the experiences of the season and the friendships built.

"Whilst I will be moving on at the end of the season, I am determined to now help the Dragons finish the season strongly."

Patchell was brought in by Wales head coach Steve Tandy to work with the kickers during the autumn internationals and Six Nations.

Dan Lydiate, Duncan Jones and Paul James have been used in interim specialist roles for the past two Wales' campaigns.

Only Danny Wilson and Matt Sherratt had been given permanent coaching positions in Tandy's backroom staff, with new defence coach Peter Murchie since appointed in time for the summer series.

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) director of rugby Dave Reddin told an extraordinary general meeting of Welsh clubs this week there are plans to add more full-time staff in time for the Nations Championship in July.

That will not include Patchell, who retired in September 2025 after playing 22 Wales internationals and was part of the side that reached the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.

He came through at Cardiff where he scored more than 600 points and was the top scorer in the then Pro12 league in 2016.

Patchell went on to play for Scarlets, winning the Pro12 title in 2017 when Pivac was coach.

He left Scarlets in 2023 and had spells with the Highlanders in New Zealand and NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu in Japan before officially starting his coaching career.