Rhys Patchell has emerged as a shock transfer target for New Zealand Super Rugby outfit the Highlanders.
Wales international Patchell was released by the Scarlets at the end of the season after six years in west Wales and was the mastermind of their 2016/17 charge to the-then PRO12 title. Having won 22 caps for Wales the mercurial outside-half, who can also play full-back, would become ineligible for Wales should he opt to ply his trade outside the country.
The 30-year-old was a transfer target for the Dragons, Agen and Biarritz while there has also been interest in him from clubs in America's Major League Rugby. But high-ranking sources in New Zealand rugby have told WalesOnline the Highlanders are keen on luring Patchell to Dunedin for the 2024 Super Rugby season.
The Highlanders are looking for a replacement for former England playmaker Freddie Burns who is expected to leave Dunedin to sign for a Japanese club but they also have experienced outside-half Mitch Hunt on their books. A potential link to Patchell is assistant coach Richard Whiffin who would have coached the former Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf pupil at the Scarlets.
The Highlanders endured a disappointing Super Rugby campaign where they finished ninth, missing out on the end-of-season play-offs and will be looking for an improved performance next time out. It could be argued Patchell's style of play would better suit the southern hemisphere than Europe given he can attack the line, while he is comfortable playing fast, high-risk rugby.
Should he join the Highlanders he would join a small group of Welsh players who have played Super Rugby, which includes Gareth Delve and Gareth Anscombe. However, we have also been told no deal has been signed yet, meaning any move to New Zealand could fall through but he is one of a few options the Highlanders are looking at.
