A new coaching partnership is set to ignite in Italy, as former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell reunites with his old boss, Wayne Pivac, at Benetton. The 32-year-old has been appointed as the United Rugby Championship (URC) side's attack coach, marking a significant step in his burgeoning coaching career.

This move sees Patchell transition from part-time kicking consultant roles with the Dragons and Wales to a full-time assistant position under Pivac, who was confirmed as Benetton's new head coach in March. The duo share a rich history, having previously worked together at the Scarlets and, more recently, in Japan with the NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu, where Patchell took on a player-coach role.

"It's an exciting opportunity to become part of a team with a squad full of high-quality players," said Patchell, whose playing career included a Wales debut in 2013 and a standout performance in the 2019 World Cup semi-final.

For Pivac, securing Patchell was a top priority. "I'm pleased to reconnect with Rhys," the New Zealander stated. "We share the same vision of the game. We want to play a style that excites both players and fans." Benetton president Antonio Pavanello confirmed the appointment was a key request from Pivac, expressing confidence that Patchell's expertise would yield "tangible results on the field."

This appointment underscores the fluid transition many modern players make into coaching, leveraging their on-field intelligence to shape new tactical approaches. As Patchell embarks on this new chapter in Treviso, the rugby world will be watching to see how this proven partnership translates from the pitch to the coaching box.