Former England number 8 is a free agent, he could return to the Premiership

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The 22-cap international, who spent the campaign under ex-Wales boss Wayne Pivac, leaves after helping the side to a third-place finish in Division Two.

Patchell, 32, has been linked with a switch to Leicester Tigers, who are understood to be in the market for fly-half depth heading into next season.

Meanwhile, former England No.8 Nathan Hughes is also expected to be on the move. The powerful back-rower spent three seasons with Black Rams Tokyo before a short stint at Urayasu D-Rocks under Greig Laidlaw.

With his contract now up, Hughes is being tipped for a return to the Premiership — with Bristol Bears reportedly interested in bringing the ex-Wasps man back to Ashton Gate.

Hughes, 33, previously enjoyed a successful spell at Bristol and could provide valuable physicality and experience to their back row.