The 23-year-old has made the move west during the summer after leaving the Cardiff Blues, where he came through the ranks, to sign on at Parc y Scarlets.
Patchell featured at full-back on Wales’ summer tour of New Zealand, but Scarlets boss Wayne Pivac has recruited him to fill the number 10 shirt.
Some great players have pulled on the red jersey over the years, from Phil Bennett to Jonathan Davies and current backs coach Stephen Jones. Patchell hopes he can live up to the achievements of those men.
“There’s a lot of history down here and you’re very aware of that history when you come here. That’s great that the region and the club embrace that history,” said Patchell.
“There have been great fly-halves here but, equally, it’s about the boys here now, it’s our turn to serve the club.
“You see old faces around here from time to time and you’re like, ‘OK, he’s a big name – maybe I need to put in an extra five minutes to live up to that!’
“There’s also a lot of knowledge here, with Stephen Jones on the coaching staff, that’s for sure. It’s up to us as outside-halves in the squad to tap into that resource of knowledge, because you don’t get a hundred caps for Wales without being half-decent at what you do.
“Stephen has been great, really welcoming, as have all the management. Our defence coach Byron Hayward was also a fine fly-half, so there’s plenty of experience and knowledge to tap into.”
Patchell admits his appearances against the All Blacks during the summer were a big learning experience, but one he relished. He is keen to build on the lessons learned against the world champions.
“The summer was awesome. It was a really great experience and I am thoroughly grateful for the opportunity I got out there,” he said. “It’s what any young player in Wales wants, whatever level you play at.
“You have that ambition to play for Wales and it’s always in the back of your mind but you are also aware that only comes if you perform in the regional jersey.
“There’s a big onus on the boys to do that and an onus, on a personal level, to take the lessons learnt on the tour back to the regions.”
