Rhys Patchell Joins Wayne Pivac at Benetton as Attack Coach
Former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell is set to reunite with his old boss Wayne Pivac as he takes on the role of attack coach at Benetton for the upcoming season. At 32 years old, Patchell has transitioned from his playing career, which included part-time coaching roles with Dragons and the Welsh national team. Patchell expressed enthusiasm about joining Benetton, stating, "It's an exciting opportunity to become part of a team with a squad full of high-quality players." This announcement comes after Wayne Pivac was confirmed as the head coach of Benetton, having signed a two-year contract until June 2028, with the possibility of an extension. The two have a history of successful collaboration, having previously worked together at Scarlets and the Japanese club NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu. Pivac praised Patchell’s capabilities, noting, "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." Antonio Pavanello, Benetton's president, highlighted Patchell's appointment as a top priority for Pivac, emphasizing the club's confidence in his ability to contribute significantly to the team's development. Currently, Patchell is finishing his consultancy role with Dragons, where he has been an integral member of the coaching team. Filo Tiatia, the Dragons' coach, acknowledged Patchell's contributions and expressed gratitude for his efforts this season, wishing him well as he embarks on this new adventure in Italy. As the Dragons prepare for the Challenge Cup semi-finals against Montpellier in May, Patchell remains focused on helping his current team finish strong before his transition to Benetton.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-15