Cardiff Blues fly-half Rhys Patchell is reportedly set to make a sensational move west to the Scarlets.
The 22-year-old, who has two caps for Wales, looks likely to head down the M4 to Parc y Scarlets once his contract with the Blues ends next year.
It does seem increasingly likely that @cardiff_blues fly-half Rhys Patchell will be heading to the @scarlets_rugby next season.
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) November 5, 2015
Patchell has started the season at his favoured fly-half spot, but the return of Kiwi import and Welsh dual contract international Gareth Anscombe could see his minutes on the field reduced.
The young outside-half had previously been linked with the Scarlets last season when it emerged long-time first-choice Rhys Priestland was joining Bath.
However the move was dismissed by Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac who stated last December:
“I don’t know anything about that (Patchell joining) and where that has come from,” he said.
“We have not approached him and my understanding is he has a year to run on his contract.”
However, it appears the situation has changed as the reported move gathers momentum.
Were Patchell to leave Cardiff and join Wayne Pivac’s side, it would represent a serious coup for the west Walians.
Signing a player of such potential from a rival would be a clear sign of intent for the Llanelli outfit as they look to build on a positive start to the season.
The Scarlets currently sit top of the Pro12 with a perfect six wins out of six with Steven Shingler a key figure at fly-half.
But quite where he will stand if Patchell does join remains to be seen.
Patchell is a more dynamic player than Shingler, with an ability to go past a defender which may fit into the Scarlets game plan better.
Shingler could stay at the club and try and force his way into the side, but it would be a tough challenge to usurp a signing such as Patchell from the starting XV.
Therefore, he may find himself competing for second-choice with Dan Jones.
While Shingler was vital in the last-gasp victory over Munster, Jones impressed in the opening two matches of the season when chosen ahead of Shingler and, at 19-years-old, will be seen one for the future.
Therefore, it seems likely that Shingler may well have to leave Parc y Scarlets – for the second time in his career – if he desires regular rugby.
