England and Wales internationals free agents after release from clubs

Former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell has left the NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu following the conclusion of the regular Japan Rugby League One season.

The 22-cap stand-off has spent the last season in Japan working under his former Wales and Scarlets boss Wayne Pivac, who will also leave the club. Together they finished third in division two.

With the season now over for many Japanese clubs, departure lists are being released with plenty of internationals set to move on.

Former England No.8 Nathan Hughes finds himself in a similar position to Patchell, with his three seasons with Black Rams Tokyo set to come to an end. The 22-cap back-row has spent the tail end of this season with Greig Laidlaw’s Urayasu D-Rocks, who face division two winners Toyota Industries Corporation Shuttles Aichi this weekend in a relegation play-off, but will be clubless thereafter.

Fixture

Japan Rugby League One

Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo

31 - 3

Full-time

Kobelco Kobe Steelers

All Stats and Data

In a statement on the Green Rockets website, Patcehll said: “Thank you to all at NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu for this season.

“I had a lot of fun being a part of the team for a year, and I am proud to have played with the team on my back.

“Thank you to all the crew for your unchanging support at home and away games. I am really happy to have met you all.

“I sincerely wish the club and crew all the best in the future. Thank you to all at NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu for the past season. I have enjoyed being part of the crew this season, and am proud to have represented our club.

“To our supporters, thank you for your unwavering support at our home and away games this year. It has been great meeting you all.

“I would like to wish everyone at the club and our supporters the best of luck for the future.”