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The Scarlets have confirmed that Welsh international Rhys Patchell will be joining them from Cardiff Blues for next season.

This follows the announcement from the Blues yesterday afternoon that the 22-year-old utility back will be leaving them, after turning down the offer of a new contract.

Patchell, who will wear the No 10 jersey in a star-studded Scarlets back line next term, admitted it was a tough call to walk away from the Arms Park.

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"Firstly, I'd like to thank Cardiff Blues for giving me an opportunity and supporting my development over the last few seasons," he said.

"As a Cardiff boy, it has been a really difficult decision to have to make, and one that I have deliberated over for quite some time.

"I will continue to give my all to the Blues as we look to build on recent victories in both the PRO12 and Challenge Cup. I will leave the region with fond memories and having made lifelong friends."

The versatile Patchell wants to play at outside-half, but the Blues were unable to guarantee him that, with Gareth Anscombe also on their books and he has been utilised at full-back on a number of occasions.

Now he will get his chance at 10 with the Scarlets, where he will play alongside the likes of Gareth Davies, Scott Williams, Jonathan Davies and Liam Williams - and maybe Leigh Halfpenny.

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Head coach Wayne Pivac added: "Rhys is an exciting young player who will bring a new dimension to our game next season.

"He's been playing particularly well for the Blues in recent weeks. We will look to help Rhys fulfill his potential here at the Scarlets and he will be joining what is shaping up to be a very exciting backline."

In 69 appearances for the Blues, Patchell has scored 517 points, including 11 tries, since making his debut in October 2011, adding to his tally with 17 points from full-back in the Challenge Cup win over Montpellier last Friday.

He won two caps on Wales' summer tour of Japan in 2013 and was part of Warren Gatland’s wider training squad for this year’s World Cup.

Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels said: "As we have stated previously, we are always interested in quality players who can add something to our squad and Rhys certainly fits that bill.

"He has the ability to make things happen on the field and we are delighted he will be joining us next season. He has taken great care to make the right decision for himself based on his very clear ambition to play outside half for Wales.

"He is still a young man with areas of his game requiring further development but under the tutelage of Stephen Jones we are hopeful Rhys can become the latest in a long line of Scarlets outside halves to wear the number 10 jersey of Wales."