**Wayne Pivac Exits NEC Green Rockets as Club Announces Mass Departures Including Rhys Patchell**
In significant developments within the world of rugby union, former Wales national team coach Wayne Pivac has parted ways with Japanese outfit NEC Green Rockets following a challenging period marked by underwhelming performances. The departure, which was confirmed in recent days, also sees a host of other staff and players leaving, amongst them former Wales outside-half, Rhys Patchell.
Pivac, who joined the Green Rockets after a distinguished spell with the Scarlets and a turbulent tenure as Wales head coach, has been released by the club alongside forwards coach Paul Feeney. The decision follows a run of poor results in Japan’s Rugby League One, seeing the side slip down the standings and ultimately prompting a substantial shake-up behind the scenes. The club is seeking a new direction in hopes of reviving its fortunes for the seasons ahead.
The list of departees is notable, featuring sixteen names, with Rhys Patchell among the headline exits. Patchell, who earned 22 caps for Wales and previously played for Cardiff and the Scarlets, is yet to confirm where he will play his rugby next. Before his Japanese stint, he also spent a season in New Zealand with Super Rugby franchise the Highlanders, adding further international experience to his already impressive résumé.
Wayne Pivac, aged 62, has long been associated with success at regional level. He guided the Scarlets to a PRO12 title in 2017 and steered them to the semi-finals of the European Champions Cup the following year. His tenure as Wales head coach was capped by a Six Nations win and Triple Crown in 2021, though his reign came to a sudden end in 2022 following a series of disappointing results, which included a shock home defeat against Georgia. Since his departure from the Wales set-up, there has been much speculation regarding his future ambitions within the sport.
Patchell, a versatile and creative playmaker renowned for his kicking and passing abilities, now faces the next chapter of his professional journey. The 31-year-old remains an attractive prospect for teams within the United Rugby Championship and beyond. Many in Welsh rugby circles believe he still has a lot to offer, particularly to one of the home nation’s professional sides in need of an injection of seasoned talent.
Discussing his move to Japan on the S4C programme ‘Jonathan’ earlier this year, Patchell reflected poignantly on the emotional challenges of living and working so far from home. He admitted to feeling the pull of “hiraeth” – the Welsh term for longing or homesickness – after long stretches in the Far East. “I didn’t think ‘hiraeth’ was actually a real thing. I thought it was something people made up, until I got to the end of a long stint abroad and genuinely wanted to come back to Wales,” he said.
Within the broader context of rugby’s global player movement, the simultaneous departure of both a high-profile coach and international player from NEC Green Rockets highlights the volatility clubs can face when doubting the trajectory of their results. While Pivac’s immediate future remains uncertain, his track record will no doubt attract interest from teams seeking experienced leadership.
Similarly, Patchell’s next steps will be watched closely, particularly by supporters in Wales keen to see him return to bolster the domestic game. His blend of skill and experience marks him out as a potential asset for any club willing to give him the platform to shine once more.
The NEC Green Rockets have yet to announce successors for the coaching roles or to elaborate on their broader recruitment plans. With both Pivac and Patchell now at a crossroads, the coming months are likely to reveal where their considerable talents will next be put to the test. Their respective journeys underscore the changing fortunes of professional rugby and the ongoing appeal of the sport’s global opportunities.