Former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell is set for a major step in his coaching career, reuniting with his former boss Wayne Pivac at Benetton Rugby. The 32-year-old has been appointed as the Italian club's attack coach for next season, marking his first full-time senior coaching role.

This move continues a long-standing partnership. Patchell and Pivac have a shared history from their successful time together at the Scarlets and, more recently, with the NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu in Japan, where Patchell began transitioning into a player-coach role. Pivac, who was confirmed as Benetton's new head coach in March, specifically requested Patchell for his staff, highlighting the trust and shared vision between the two.

"We share the same vision of the game," Pivac said. "We want to play a style that excites both players and fans." Patchell, who has held part-time kicking consultant roles with the Dragons and the Welsh national team, echoed the enthusiasm for the new challenge in the United Rugby Championship (URC). "It's an exciting opportunity to become part of a team with a squad full of high-quality players," he stated.

Benetton president Antonio Pavanello expressed full confidence in the appointment, noting that Patchell was a top priority for Pivac and is seen as the right fit to help develop the team's attacking play. Both Pivac and Patchell have signed two-year contracts with the Treviso-based club, with options to extend, signaling a project built on familiarity and a clear strategic direction for the seasons ahead.