Rhys Priestland
{{Short description|Welsh rugby union player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Rhys Priestland
| image = Rhys Priestland. Wales Grand Slam Celebration, Senedd 19 March 2012 Rhys Priestland. Dathliadau Camp Lawn Cymru, Senedd 19 Mawrth 2012.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| birth_name = Rhys Priestland
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1987|1|9}}
| birth_place = Llangathen, Wales
| height = 183 cm
| weight = {{convert|95|kg|stlb lb|abbr=on}}
| school = Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin
| university = Swansea University
| position = Fly-half, Full back
| ru_currentteam = Cardiff Rugby
| amatyears1 =
| amatteam1 =
| provinceyears1 = 2007–2015
| provinceyears2 = 2021-2023
| province1 = Scarlets
| province2 = Cardiff Rugby
| provinceapps1 = 150
| provinceapps2 = 18
| provincepoints1 = 1,064
| provincepoints2 = 88
| ru_provinceupdate = 16:50, May 2022 (UTC)
| years1 = 2006–2009
| years2 = 2015–2021
| clubs1 = Llanelli RFC
| clubs2 = Bath
| apps1 = 32
| apps2 = 120
| points1 = 175
| points2 = 893
| ru_clubupdate = 16:50, 27 May 2022 (UTC)
| repyears1 =
| repyears2 =
| repyears3 = 2011–2022
| repteam1 = Wales U19
| repteam2 = Wales U21
| repteam3 = Wales
| repcaps1 =
| repcaps2 =
| repcaps3 = 52
| reppoints1 =
| reppoints2 =
| reppoints3 = 111
| ru_ntupdate = 16:50, 27 May 2022 (UTC)
}}
Rhys Priestland (born 9 January 1987) is a Welsh international rugby union player who plays as a fly-half for Cardiff Rugby and the Wales national team. Although he primarily plays as a fly-half, he is also capable of playing at full-back. Born in Llangathen, Carmarthenshire, he began his career with Llanelli RFC before progressing to the Scarlets regional side. After eight years with the Scarlets, he moved to England to play for Bath in the English Premiership, where he spent six seasons before returning to Wales with Cardiff Rugby. He made his Wales debut in 2011, and earned 50 caps – including being named in the squad for the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups – before his move to England made him ineligible for selection.
Club career
A product of the Scarlets academy, Priestland began his senior rugby career with Scarlets feeder club Carmarthen Quins, making six appearances in the 2005–06 season.{{cite web |title=Rhys Priestland – Flyhalf |url=https://www.carmarthenquinsrfc.co.uk/player?authtoken=OTk4MjE1NzYtRkJCQS00RkYzLThFOTctOUVEQjg3MkM5OEQx&teamid=MTAzOTg1&id=134307&tab=statistics |publisher=Carmarthen Quins RFC |access-date=12 August 2019 }} In March 2006, he signed a professional development contract with the Scarlets.{{cite news |title=Scarlets sign up six youngsters |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/4832374.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=22 March 2006 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} That summer, former Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones returned to the region after two seasons in France with Clermont Auvergne, and for the 2006–07 season, Priestland served as the Scarlets' third-choice fly-half behind Jones and Ceiron Thomas.{{cite news |title=Scarlets snub for Louw and Bowen |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/llanelli_scarlets/5402302.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=3 October 2006 |access-date=12 August 2019 }}
Priestland played 150 games for them and scored over 1,000 points. In the 2010–11 season against USA Perpignan, he scored a try at the end of the first half which the Scarlets won.{{cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/12/08/rhys-priestland-ready-to-do-battle-with-stephen-jones-for-scarlets-no-10-shirt-against-munster-91466-29914386/ |title=Rhys Priestland ready to do battle with Stephen Jones for Scarlets No.10 shirt against Munster |work=WalesOnline |date=8 December 2011 |access-date=16 January 2012 }}
In January 2015, it was announced that Priestland would join English club Bath on a two-year contract at the end of the 2014–15 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/30694432|title=Rhys Priestland: Bath sign Wales fly-half from Scarlets|date=6 January 2015|website=BBC Sport|access-date=15 September 2016}} He ended up playing for Bath for six seasons before returning to Wales for the 2021–22 season, signing a long-term contract with the Cardiff Blues (later renamed Cardiff Rugby).{{cite news |title=Rhys Priestland: Wales fly-half to join Cardiff Blues from Bath |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56103853 |website=BBC Sport |date=17 February 2021 |accessdate=17 February 2021 }} He made his debut in Cardiff's 2021–22 United Rugby Championship season opener against Connacht on 24 September 2021, but had to be substituted in the first two minutes after being hit in the head by the knee of Connacht prop Finlay Bealham.{{cite news |title=United Rugby Championship: Cardiff Rugby 33-21 Connacht |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58634872 |website=BBC Sport |date=24 September 2021 |accessdate=3 November 2021 }} He recovered from the injury in time to start the match against the Ospreys on 2 October; he played the full match and scored two conversions, but Cardiff lost the match 18–14.{{cite news |title=United Rugby Championship: Ospreys 18-14 Cardiff Rugby |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58745218 |website=BBC Sport |date=2 October 2021 |accessdate=3 November 2021 }} He scored 14 of Cardiff's 19 points the following week against the Bulls, but it was not enough to prevent a 29–19 defeat,{{cite news |first=Dafydd |last=Pritchard |title=United Rugby Championship: Cardiff 19-29 Bulls |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58802228 |website=BBC Sport |date=9 October 2021 |accessdate=3 November 2021 }} and followed it up with another 13 points in a 23–17 win over the Sharks on 16 October.{{cite news |title=United Rugby Championship: Cardiff 23-17 Sharks |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58922413 |website=BBC Sport |date=16 October 2021 |accessdate=3 November 2021 }}
International career
A member of the Wales under-19 squad that won the Grand Slam in the 2006 Six Nations, Priestland received his first senior call-up in January 2011 as part of a 28-man squad for the 2011 Six Nations Championship, as one of three fly-half options along with Stephen Jones and James Hook.{{cite news |title=Martyn Williams omitted from Wales Six Nations squad |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/9370298.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=23 January 2011 |access-date=3 November 2011 }} After being an unused replacement for the 26–19 loss to England in the opening match,{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Wales 19–26 England |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9386391.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=4 February 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} Priestland made his international debut on 12 February 2011, making a four-minute cameo at full-back in a 24–6 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.{{cite news |first=Andy |last=Campbell |title=Scotland 6–24 Wales |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9392746.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=12 February 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} He was again named on the bench for Wales' third match against Italy, but did not come on,{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Italy 16–24 Wales |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9406749.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} before being left out of the squad entirely for the final two matches against Ireland and France.
Priestland's good form for the Scarlets in the remainder of the 2010–11 season meant he returned to the Wales set-up for a match against the Barbarians in June 2011, coming on as a late substitute for Stephen Jones as Wales lost 31–28,{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Wales 28–31 Barbarians |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/13645951 |website=BBC Sport |date=4 June 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} before being included in a 39-man training squad ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.{{cite news |title=Andy Powell and Jonathan Thomas return to Wales squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14343990 |website=BBC Sport |date=29 July 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} In his first start for Wales, against England at Twickenham on 6 August 2011, Priestland was initially selected at full-back,{{cite news |title=Wales name Rhys Priestland at full-back against England |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14396648 |website=BBC Sport |date=4 August 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} but made a last-minute switch to fly-half after Stephen Jones was injured in the warm-up; Priestland kicked two conversions in a 23–19 loss.{{cite news |first=Bryn |last=Palmer |title=England 23–19 Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14406961 |website=BBC Sport |date=6 August 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} He again started at fly-half in the return match at the Millennium Stadium on 13 August, scoring two penalties before being replaced by Aled Brew at half-time; Wales won the match 19–9.{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Wales 19–9 England |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14498107 |website=BBC Sport |date=13 August 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} Having seemingly done enough to earn a place in Warren Gatland's World Cup squad, Priestland was left out of the final warm-up match against Argentina.{{cite news |title=Fly-half Stephen Jones misses Pumas match |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14596435 |website=BBC Sport |date=20 August 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }}
As with the 2011 Six Nations, Priestland was one of three fly-halves selected by Gatland for the World Cup, along with Jones and Hook.{{cite news |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: Sam Warburton leads Wales in New Zealand |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14608533 |website=BBC Sport |date=22 August 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} With Jones still struggling with a calf injury, Priestland was named as Wales' starting fly-half for their opening match against reigning champions South Africa.{{cite news |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: Wales opt for Rhys Priestland at fly-half |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14774382 |website=BBC Sport |date=8 September 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} With South Africa leading by a point with 10 minutes to go, Priestland had the opportunity to win the match with a drop goal in front of the posts, but he hooked it wide.{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: South Africa 17–16 Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14811173 |website=BBC Sport |date=11 September 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} Nevertheless, he retained the number 10 jersey for the second match against Samoa, scoring two penalties in a 17–10 win.{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: Wales 17–10 Samoa |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14894415 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 September 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} Jones returned to the starting XV for the match against bottom side Namibia, playing 63 minutes before Priestland took over and scored three of his five conversion attempts,{{cite news |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: Wales 81–7 Namibia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14783195 |website=BBC Sport |date=26 September 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} but Priestland was again the starting fly-half for Wales' final pool match against Fiji; they won the match 66–0, with Priestland scoring five conversions and a penalty before being replaced by Jones for the final 20 minutes.{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: Fiji 0–66 Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/15045857 |website=BBC Sport |date=2 October 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }}
Having seemingly won the fly-half battle, Priestland again started against Ireland in the quarter-finals, converting two of Wales' three tries in a 22–10 win,{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: Wales 22–10 Ireland |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/14830264 |website=BBC Sport |date=8 October 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} only to suffer a shoulder injury in the last two minutes that meant he missed the semi-final against France.{{cite news |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: James Hook replaces Rhys Priestland for Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/15270308 |website=BBC Sport |date=13 October 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} Wales lost the match 9–8{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Fordyce |title=Rugby World Cup 2011 semi-final: Wales 8–9 France |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/15307018 |website=BBC Sport |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} and ultimately finished the tournament in fourth place, after losing to 21–18 to Australia in the third-place play-off.{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Fordyce |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: Wales 18–21 Australia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/15379214 |website=BBC Sport |date=21 October 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }}
Priestland returned to fitness in time to play in Wales' friendly match against Australia on 3 December 2011, starting ahead of Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar. In addition to scoring two penalties, Priestland also crossed for his first international try as Wales lost 24–18.{{cite news |first=Bruce |last=Pope |title=Wales 18–24 Australia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/16018428 |website=BBC Sport |date=3 December 2011 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} For the 2012 Six Nations Championship, Gatland selected Priestland and Hook as his two fly-half options, with Priestland starting all five matches, despite entering the tournament with lingering knee injuries.{{cite news |title=Six Nations: Jamie Roberts and Rhys Priestland boost for Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/16773386 |website=BBC Sport |date=3 February 2012 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} In the third match against England, he received the first yellow card of his international career.{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Fordyce |title=Six Nations: England 12–19 Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/17141687 |website=BBC Sport |date=25 February 2012 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} Full-back Leigh Halfpenny was given the goal-kicking duties during the tournament, so Priestland scored just three points: a penalty against Italy in the fourth match.{{cite news |first=Bruce |last=Pope |title=Six Nations: Wales 24–3 Italy |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/17305509 |website=BBC Sport |date=10 March 2012 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} Wales won all five of their matches in the 2012 Six Nations, claiming their third Grand Slam title in eight seasons.{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Six Nations: Wales 16–9 France |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/17382260 |website=BBC Sport |date=17 March 2012 |access-date=12 August 2019 }}
However, following the Six Nations success, Wales suffered a 3–0 test series defeat to Australia on their summer tour and then failed to win any of their Autumn internationals; Priestland played in all seven of those matches, starting six of them and suffered a loss of confidence that saw him leave social media and start seeing a sports psychologist.{{cite news |title=Wales' Rhys Priestland seeks help from sports psychologist |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/20488433 |website=BBC Sport |date=26 November 2012 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} In addition, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a match for the Scarlets in early December 2012, ruling him out of Wales' Six Nations title defence in 2013.{{cite news |title=Six Nations: lock Bradley Davies back to boost Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/20633934 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} After returning to the bench for the Scarlets at the end of the season, Priestland was named in the squad for Wales' summer tour of Japan;{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Rees |title=Steve Shingler joins brother Aaron in Wales squad to tour Japan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/may/01/steve-shingler-wales-japan-tour |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media |date=1 May 2013 |accessdate=1 February 2023 }} however, a recurrence of the injury meant he had to withdraw from the tour.{{cite news |title=Ken Owens joins injured pair out of Wales tour to Japan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/22488528 |website=BBC Sport |date=16 May 2013 |accessdate=1 February 2023 }} He finally made his return to international rugby in November 2013,{{cite news |title=Fly-half Rhys Priestland eager to restart Wales career |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/24795080 |website=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2013 |accessdate=9 February 2023 }} starting at fly-half in Wales' opening match of the 2013 Autumn internationals against South Africa;{{cite news |title=Wales v South Africa: Priestland wants to enjoy injury return |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/24822523 |website=BBC Sport |date=6 November 2013 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} he played the entire match, but Wales lost 24–15.{{cite news |first=Bryn |last=Palmer |title=Autumn internationals: Wales fall short against South Africa |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/24859463 |website=BBC Sport |date=9 November 2013 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} Priestland then missed the next game against Argentina, before making substitute appearances against both Tonga and Australia.
Priestland regained the starting job for the 2014 Six Nations, but Wales won just two of the four matches in which he started, and he was dropped to the bench for the final game against Scotland. A knee injury suffered in the Scarlets' final game of the 2013–14 season meant Priestland again missed Wales' summer tour to South Africa in 2014.{{cite news |title=Rhys Priestland: Wales fly-half ruled out of South Africa tour |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/27421459 |website=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2014 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} A groin strain for Biggar saw Priestland return to Wales action as a substitute in their 33–28 loss to Australia on 8 November,{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Wales 28–33 Australia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/29918631 |website=BBC Sport |date=8 November 2014 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} before starting the match against Fiji on 15 November;{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=Wales 17–13 Fiji |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/30053719 |website=BBC Sport |date=15 November 2014 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} he kicked a conversion in each game, but both were in front of the posts after penalty tries. With Biggar now established as Wales' first-choice fly-half, Priestland was named among the substitutes for every match in the 2015 Six Nations, coming on just twice, against France and Italy, and playing a total of just 16 minutes of rugby. As a result of his move to Bath at the end of the 2014–15 season,{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Roberts |title=2015 World Cup: England-based players to miss Wales warm-up |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/32314431 |website=BBC Sport |date=15 April 2015 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Priestland only appeared in one warm-up match, coming off the bench in a 16–10 away win over Ireland; he was also an unused substitute for a match against Italy a week later. Despite this lack of game time, Gatland named Priestland in his squad for the tournament, even giving him the starting role in the opening match against Uruguay. Priestland kicked seven of his eight conversion attempts, leading Wales to a 54–9 win.{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Williams |title=Rugby World Cup 2015: Wales 54–9 Uruguay |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34294887 |website=BBC Sport |date=20 September 2015 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} Biggar returned to start the remaining three pool matches, as well as the quarter-final loss to South Africa, but Priestland appeared off the bench each time.
After the World Cup, Priestland announced his intention to take an 18-month break from international duty,{{cite news |title=Rhys Priestland: Fly-half to 'take break' from Wales duties |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34627560 |website=BBC Sport |date=24 October 2015 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} a decision that former Wales fly-half Phil Bennett suggested would put a permanent end to Priestland's international career;{{cite news |title=Rhys Priestland's Wales career 'over' says Phil Bennett |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34629813 |website=BBC Sport |date=25 October 2015 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} however, two months later, Priestland reversed his decision in the hope of being picked in the Wales squad for the 2016 Six Nations.{{cite news |title=Rhys Priestland: No Wales sabbatical for Bath fly-half |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35189332 |website=BBC Sport |date=29 December 2015 |access-date=12 August 2019 }} He was ultimately selected for the tournament,{{cite news |title=Six Nations 2016: Wing Tom James recalled to Wales squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35348926 |website=BBC Sport |date=19 January 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} and made an appearance off the bench in the opening match against Ireland after Biggar suffered an early injury; he scored 11 points in the match, landing a conversion and three penalties, but missed a late drop goal attempt as the match finished 16–16.{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Williams |title=Six Nations 2016: Ireland 16–16 Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35503489 |website=BBC Sport |date=7 February 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} Biggar recovered in time to keep the starting job for the next game against Scotland, and in each of the next three games, Priestland was restricted to no more than cameo appearances in the final 10 minutes, although he did land two conversions as Wales mounted a late, but unsuccessful comeback against England.{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Fordyce |title=Six Nations 2016: England 25–21 Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35771472 |website=BBC Sport |date=12 March 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} With Wales leading 46–7 in the final match against Italy, Priestland came on to play the final 22 minutes, and was successful with all three of his conversion attempts as Wales went on to win 67–14.{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Williams |title=Six Nations 2016: Wales 67–14 Italy |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35836945 |website=BBC Sport |date=19 March 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} That summer, Priestland was again picked for Wales' tour of New Zealand;{{cite news |title=Wales' tour of New Zealand: Sam Warburton leads Warren Gatland's side |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36250866 |website=BBC Sport |date=10 May 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} ahead of the tour, he appeared in the final 25 minutes of their 27–13 loss to England at Twickenham.{{cite news |first=Ben |last=Dirs |title=England 27–13 Wales: Hosts score five tries but Ford misfires |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36397174 |website=BBC Sport |date=29 May 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} He was then left out of the first test against New Zealand, but after he scored a conversion in Wales' 40–7 loss to the Chiefs,{{cite news |first=Owen |last=Rawlings |title=Chiefs 40–7 Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36509966 |website=BBC Sport |date=14 June 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} he replaced the injured Gareth Anscombe as Biggar's back-up{{cite news |first=Owen |last=Rawlings |title=New Zealand v Wales: Luke Charteris and Rhys Patchell start for Warren Gatland's side |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36545359 |website=BBC Sport |date=16 June 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} and came off the bench in each of the last two tests, setting up a try for Liam Williams in the second test.{{cite news |title=New Zealand 36–22 Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36560438 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 June 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }}
In September 2016, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) changed its selection policy, referred to as "Gatland's Law", so that only three players based outside Wales could be selected for international matches.{{cite news |title=Welsh Rugby Union reveals players affected by senior player selection policy |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37316886 |website=BBC Sport |date=9 September 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} With Priestland having to compete with the likes of George North, Jamie Roberts and his Bath teammate Taulupe Faletau for those places, he was left out of the Wales squad for the 2016 Autumn internationals.{{cite news |title=Wales pick injured Taulupe Faletau for autumn, Rhys Priestland left out |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37688720 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 October 2016 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} In September 2017, more than a year after his last cap, Priestland said he would be surprised if he played for Wales again.{{cite news |title=Rhys Priestland: Bath fly-half would be 'surprised' to play for Wales again |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41272274 |website=BBC Sport |date=14 September 2017 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} The WRU again changed its selection policy in October 2017, so that any player who signed a contract with a club outside Wales before then could be selected again, although their continued selection would depend on them returning to Wales at the end of their contracts;{{cite news |title=Rhys Webb to miss out on Wales selection under new rule |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41547139 |website=BBC Sport |date=16 October 2017 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} that meant Priestland was again eligible to play for Wales, and his club form led to him being picked for the 2017 Autumn internationals.{{cite news |title=Wales rugby squad: Hadleigh Parkes included for first time |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41729676 |website=BBC Sport |date=24 October 2017 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} He missed the first match against Australia, but then started the match against Georgia;{{cite news |title=Wales v Georgia: Seb Davies at number eight as Gatland makes 14 changes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41998821 |website=BBC Sport |date=16 November 2017 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} he played the entire 80 minutes and was successful with all three of his kicks at goal, contributing eight of Wales' points in a 13–6 win.{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Williams |title=Autumn international: Wales 13–6 Georgia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42002116 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 November 2017 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} He was on the bench for Wales' third match against New Zealand, but replaced Biggar for the final 17 minutes of the game, earning his 50th test cap.{{cite news |title=Wales v New Zealand: Wales wait on Liam Williams fitness, but Samson Lee doubtful |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42045661 |website=BBC Sport |date=20 November 2017 |access-date=13 August 2019 }}{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Williams |title=Autumn international: Wales 18–33 New Zealand |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42081648 |website=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2017 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} Wales' next match against South Africa was on 2 December, outside the World Rugby international window, which meant Priestland was unavailable as he had to return to his club side.{{cite news |title=Bath risk fine for allowing Taulupe Faletau to play for Wales v South Africa |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42128934 |website=BBC Sport |date=28 November 2017 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} Priestland picked up a hamstring injury in January 2018, but nevertheless he was selected for the 2018 Six Nations;{{cite news |title=Six Nations 2018: Wales name James Davies and Josh Adams in squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42691496 |website=BBC Sport |date=16 January 2018 |access-date=13 August 2019 }} however, the injury proved severe enough that he did not take part in the tournament.{{cite news |title=Six Nations 2018: Wales suffer Rhys Priestland blow |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42750715 |website=BBC Sport |date=19 January 2018 |access-date=13 August 2019 }}
Following his return to Wales with Cardiff Rugby, Priestland became eligible for Wales selection again and was called up to the squad for the 2021 Autumn internationals.{{cite news |title=Wales welcome back fly-halves Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Priestland |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58900869 |website=BBC Sport |date=13 October 2021 |accessdate=3 November 2021 }} In the opening match against New Zealand on 30 October 2021, he came on for Gareth Anscombe in the 47th minute, and scored a penalty and a conversion in a 54–16 defeat.{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Griffiths |title=Wales 16-54 New Zealand: All Blacks seal seven-try victory |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/59102536 |website=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2021 |accessdate=3 November 2021 }} Priestland came off the bench against Australia and kicked a late penalty to secure a 29–28 victory for Wales.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/59361901|title=Wales 29-28 Australia: Rhys Priestland's last-gasp penalty seals dramatic win|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 November 2021|access-date=5 November 2022}} In January 2022, he was named in the Wales squad for the 2022 Six Nations Championship;{{cite news |title=Dan Biggar: Wales name Lions fly-half as captain for 2022 Six Nations |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60024912 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 January 2022 |accessdate=1 February 2023 }} however, he suffered a calf injury early in training for the tournament,{{cite news |first=Ben |last=James |title=Rhys Priestland set to leave Cardiff this year and plans totally new career |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rhys-priestland-set-leave-cardiff-25954186 |website=Wales Online |publisher=Media Wales |date=11 January 2023 |accessdate=1 February 2023 }} and on 1 March 2022, he was released back to his club for treatment.{{cite news |first=Graeme |last=Gillespie |title=Wales players released to regions |url=https://www.wru.wales/2022/03/wales-players-released-to-regions/ |publisher=Welsh Rugby Union |date=1 March 2022 |accessdate=1 February 2023 }} The injury also kept him out of Wales' tour of South Africa, but he returned to the side for the 2022 Autumn internationals.{{cite news |title=Autumn internationals: Dan Biggar out injured as Wales name squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63296176 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 October 2022 |accessdate=1 February 2023 }} He started the opening game against New Zealand, his first international start since November 2017. He also started the game against Georgia, and came on as a replacement against Argentina and Australia.{{cite news |first=Gareth |last=Griffiths |title=Rhys Priestland: Wales fly-half looks to future with Cardiff stint due to end |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64241106 |website=BBC Sport |date=11 January 2023 |accessdate=1 February 2023 }}
= International tries =
class="wikitable sortable" | ||||||
Try | Opponent | Location | Venue | Competition | Date | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | {{ru|AUS}} | Cardiff, Wales | Millennium Stadium | 2011 Autumn International | {{dts|format=dmy|2011|12|3}} | Loss |
Statistics
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||||||||||||||
rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="6"|League !rowspan="20"| !colspan="6"|Anglo-Welsh CupIncludes appearances in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and the Premiership Rugby Cup !rowspan="20"| !colspan="6"|EuropeIncludes appearances in the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup !rowspan="20"| !colspan="6"|Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
width=30|Apps | width=25|T | width=25|C | width=25|P | width=25|D | width=30|Pts
!width=30|Apps | width=25|T | width=25|C | width=25|P | width=25|D | width=30|Pts
!width=30|Apps | width=25|T | width=25|C | width=25|P | width=25|D | width=30|Pts
!width=30|Apps | width=25|T | width=25|C | width=25|P | width=25|D | width=30|Pts |
rowspan="9"|Scarlets
|13 | 2 | 17 | 21 | 0 | 107
|1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3
|3 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 13
|17 | 2 | 19 | 25 | 0 | 123 |
2008–09
|13 | 0 | 9 | 15 | 0 | 63
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|14 | 0 | 9 | 15 | 0 | 63 |
2009–10
|18 | 3 | 11 | 27 | 0 | 118
|4 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 53
|4 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 19
|26 | 6 | 20 | 40 | 0 | 190 |
2010–11
|18 | 3 | 13 | 37 | 2 | 158
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|6 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 35
|24 | 5 | 18 | 42 | 2 | 193 |
2011–12
|6 | 0 | 9 | 17 | 0 | 69
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|7 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 42
|13 | 1 | 14 | 26 | 0 | 111 |
2012–13
|9 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 38
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|3 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 25
|12 | 0 | 9 | 13 | 2 | 63 |
2013–14
|14 | 1 | 12 | 26 | 0 | 107
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|6 | 0 | 8 | 16 | 0 | 64
|20 | 1 | 20 | 42 | 0 | 171 |
2014–15
|18 | 0 | 19 | 23 | 1 | 110
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|6 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 40
|24 | 0 | 21 | 35 | 1 | 150 |
Total
!109 | 9 | 97 | 173 | 4 | 770
!5 | 2 | 5 | 12 | 0 | 56
!36 | 4 | 28 | 53 | 1 | 238
!150 | 15 | 130 | 238 | 5 | 1,064 |
rowspan="7"|Bath
|15 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 0 | 55
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3
|20 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 58 |
2016–17
|9 | 0 | 10 | 12 | 0 | 56
|3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 18
|5 | 1 | 5 | 12 | 0 | 51
|17 | 1 | 18 | 26 | 0 | 125 |
2017–18
|15 | 2 | 26 | 26 | 3 | 149
|1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|4 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 39
|20 | 2 | 29 | 37 | 3 | 188 |
2018–19
|16 | 2 | 16 | 24 | 0 | 114
|1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 13
|3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 15
|20 | 2 | 24 | 28 | 0 | 142 |
2019–20
|22 | 0 | 34 | 46 | 0 | 206
|2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 11
|3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 13
|27 | 2 | 36 | 50 | 0 | 230 |
2020–21
|16 | 2 | 25 | 30 | 0 | 150
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|16 | 2 | 25 | 30 | 0 | 150 |
Total
!93 | 7 | 118 | 150 | 3 | 730
!7 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 42
!20 | 2 | 12 | 29 | 0 | 121
!120 | 10 | 139 | 186 | 3 | 893 |
Cardiff Rugby
|4 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 31
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
|4 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
colspan="2"|Career total
!206 | 16 | 220 | 330 | 7 | 1,531
!12 | 3 | 14 | 19 | 0 | 98
!56 | 6 | 40 | 82 | 1 | 359
!274 | 25 | 274 | 431 | 8 | 1,988 |
colspan="29"|Source:{{cite web |title=Rhys Priestland |url=http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/rugby/people.php?player=87294&includeref=dynamic |website=scarlets.co.uk |publisher=The Scarlets |access-date=18 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205075344/http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/rugby/people.php?player=87294&includeref=dynamic |archive-date=5 December 2014 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.premiershiprugby.com/player/?PlayGuid=RP978524&TeamId=1|title = Player}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/rhys-priestland-5061.html|title = Rhys PRIESTLAND - Player statistics - It's rugby}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/player-profile/rhys-priestland|title = Rhys Priestland}} |
Apps = Appearances; T = Tries; C = Conversions; P = Penalties; D = Drop goals; Pts = Total points
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.wru.wales/player/?PlayGuid=RP978524 Wales profile]
- {{ESPNscrum|82089}}
{{Wales 2011 Rugby World Cup squad}}
{{Wales 2015 Rugby World Cup squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Priestland, Rhys}}
Category:Rugby union players from Carmarthen
Category:Welsh rugby union players
Category:Wales international rugby union players
Category:Rugby union fly-halves
Category:21st-century Welsh sportsmen
Category:People educated at Bro Myrddin Welsh Comprehensive School
Category:Cardiff Rugby players