Welsh fly-half Rhys Patchell signs with New Zealand franchise Highlanders
Rhys Patchell imago/ai/Reuters/Panoramic
Welsh fly-half Rhys Patchell has signed a one-year contract from 2024 with the Highlanders, the New Zealand franchise announced on Wednesday. The 30-year-old, who has made 22 international appearances since 2013, was recently released by Welsh club Scarlets. The former Cardiff Blues player follows in the footsteps of former England international Freddie Burns, who played for the Dunedin-based side this season.
“I’m excited to be joining the Highlanders for the upcoming Super Rugby season“Which is expected to start in February 2024,” said Patchell, who has not been included in Wales’ expanded training squad for the Rugby World Cup (September 8-October 28). “The opportunity to go to Dunedin was too good to turn down. After following Super Rugby from afar, I can’t wait for the 2024 season to start“, explained the fly-half.
The Highlanders, who missed out on the Super Rugby Pacific qualifying round in 2023, also signed Fijian winger Timosi Tafatafanawe, who played for Moana Pacifica.
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