Whilst Parc y Scarlets basked in beautiful summer sunshine on Thursday new signing Rhys Patchell took the opportunity to familiarise himself with his new surroundings as he makes the move West from the Cardiff Blues.
A change of colour and a change of venue awaits Patchell as he prepares to link up with the Scarlets over the coming weeks ready for the 2016-17 Guinness PRO12 and European Rugby Champions Cup campaign.
Reflecting on his time with Cardiff Blues Patchell said: “Blues has been a big part of my life over the last six or seven years and I’m really grateful to everyone there for their hard work and generosity whilst I was a player there.
“I’m now looking forward to the challenge with the Scarlets, to learn from Steve and Wayne and to link up with Byron Hayward who was with Wales U20s whilst I was with them and Ioan Cunningham too.
“I’m really looking forward to the season now. Some of the boys will be in over the next couple of weeks and then we can prepare for what will hopefully be a successful season.”
Patchell went on to explain that the prospect of working with Stephen Jones, Wales’ most capped back, at the Scarlets was a big influence on his decision to change allegiances; “Coming here to learn from Steve was a big part of my decision and I’m really looking forward to start training, get out on the field and pick his brain. I’m interested to see how he sees the game, to sit down and discuss with him.”
Having received a warm reception from the Scarlets supporters at his former BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park home earlier this year Patchell is looking forward to getting out in front of the home crowd at Parc y Scarlets, saying; “On New Year’s Day, as the Blues were awarded their first penalty a chant came from the Scarlets faithful ‘Patchell is a Scarlet,’ and I just thought ‘I better not mess this up’!
“I think I had a decent rapport with the crowd at the Arms Park and hopefully I can build something similar here at Parc y Scarlets.”
Scarlets 2016-17 Season Tickets are available now. Junior prices start from as little as £16 for the season, adult prices from £190 and family season tickets from as little as £130!
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