Patchell signs for Scarlets after turning down Cardiff

Cardiff Blues fly-half Rhys Patchell has rejected a new contract offer to pen a move to the Scarlets for next season.
The Blues revealed yesterday that Patchell favoured a move elsewhere and would be turning down their offer, with head coach Danny Wilson saying, “we are disappointed; we have good competition for the No.10 jersey and it is a shame that Rhys will not be a part of that from the end of the current campaign.”
Wilson continued: “He has played well for us at both full back and fly half this season and I know he will continue to give everything he has for the region until the end of this season.”
Patchell played a pivotal role in the weekend’s European competition, scoring 17 points in the win against Montpellier including a classy opening try after just 43 seconds, in a match that finished 37-27 to the Blues.
Capped twice by Wales, Patchell explained the difficulty in making the decision to leave: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Cardiff Blues for giving me an opportunity and supporting my development over the last few seasons.
“As a Cardiff boy it has been a really difficult decision to have to make, and one that I have deliberated over for quite some time.
The 22-year-old’s arrival continues Scarlets’ action in bolstering their back line with Wales centre Jonathan Davies set to join Patchell by making his return to Parc y Scarlets, after leaving for French giants Clermont in 2014.
Scarlets General Manager Jon Daniels said: “We are always interested in quality players who can add something to our squad and Rhys certainly fits that bill. He has the ability to make things happen on the field and we are delighted he will be joining us next season.
“He has taken great care to make the right decision for himself based on his very clear ambition to play outside half for Wales.”