Welsh flyhalf 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 22 international caps since 2013, was recently released by Welsh club Scarlets. The ex-Cardiff Blues player follows in the footsteps of former England international fly-half Freddie Burns, who played for the Dunedin-based side this season.
“I am delighted to join the Highlanders for the next Super Rugby season” due to start in February 2024, said Patchell, who has not been included in Wales’ extended World Cup training squad. rugby (8 September-28 October). “The opportunity to go to Dunedin was too good to pass up. After following Super Rugby from afar, I can’t wait for the 2024 season to begin,” said the fly-half.
The Highlanders, who missed out on the Super Rugby Pacific knockout stage in 2023, have also signed Fijian winger Timoci Tavatavanawai, who played for Moana Pasifika’s franchise.