The 20-year-old fly half made his international bow on last summer’s two-Test tour of Japan and was named in Warren Gatland’s squad for this month’s Dove Men Series after impressing for Cardiff Blues again this season.
Wales face South Africa on Saturday in what looks sure to be a physical examination before clashes with Argentina, Tonga and Australia. And with four consecutive matches over the next month, Patchell says he will push the more experienced Dan Biggar and Rhys Priestland hard in the search for game time.
“It’s been awesome, I’ve really enjoyed it,” said Patchell, as he reflected on his time in camp so far.
“It’s every kid’s dream to be able to train within the Welsh set up and here I am able to do it.
“It’s probably another step up from Japan in terms of intensity. Not because Japan wasn’t intense, but because we’ve got the British Lions and all the incumbent internationals returning.
“I’m busy trying to get better and if that means I’ll get a shot in a game, then that’s brilliant. But I’ve got Dan Biggar, who’s just broken the record in the RaboDirect, and Rhys Priestland who guided Wales to a World Cup semi-final, to learn from.
“It’ll be great for me to contest with them for the jersey.”
Patchell’s late penalty on his debut secured Wales a 22-18 victory over Japan in Osaka in June though he was unable to stop the Brave Blossoms from levelling the series in Tokyo.
Now, with Wales’ British & Irish Lions contingent returning to the squad after their heroics in Australia, competition among the 35-man squad is particularly fierce.
“If you execute your skills to the expectations the coaches have of you and work hard in the gym, there are plenty of opportunities to impress,” said Patchell.
“But there are two quality players in front of me and all I can do is keep learning from them.
“My goal is to improve every week and that’s always been my mantra whether it’s playing in school, for the Blues, or for Wales Sevens.
“It all comes down to whether Warren Gatland thinks I’m ready to play. All I can do is try and improve every week and put my head down and work hard in training.”
Patchell is working closely with former Wales pivot Neil Jenkins in the lead up to Saturday’s game, a man he revealed was one of his heroes as a child.
“I’ve grown up wanting to be in this environment and being coached by these sorts of guys and to pick their brains is unbelievable,” he added.
“There is no sitting back and there is always the next thing to be looking for.”
Tickets to see Wales in action at the Millennium Stadium in the 2013 Dove Men Series – against South Africa, Argentina, Tonga and Australia – on consecutive weekends from 9th November are available online at www.wru.co.uk/tickets – prices from £25, £10 concession.
Wales Dove Men Series 2013 fixtures:
Wales v South Africa – Saturday, 9 November, Kick-Off 5.30pm – £70 / £60 / £40 / £25
Wales v Argentina – Saturday, 16 November, Kick-Off 2.30pm – £40 / £30 / £10 concession (U16) /£70 Family ticket 2 adults + 2 concession
Wales v Tonga – Friday, 22 November, Kick-Off 7.30pm – £25 / £10 concession/ £60 Family ticket 2 adult + 2 concession/ Minis/Juniors/Schools offer, with every 8 concessions purchased 2 adult tickets free
Wales v Australia – Saturday, 30 November, Kick-Off 5.00pm – £70 / £60 / £40 / £25
