Golf buggy shame Powell on course to join Wasps
WASPS are poised to swoop for Wales and British Lions No8 Andy Powell after Cardiff Blues confirmed they are to terminate his contract early.
The Amlin Challenge Cup winners said Powell had “lost his way somewhat” and cited the 28-year-old’s infamous golf buggy incident earlier this year.
Powell was arrested and suspended from international duty in February after taking the vehicle on a drunken excursion on the M4 motorway hours after a Six Nations match.
The player, meanwhile, says he wants to leave the club because he is keen to take on a new challenge.
Cardiff director of rugby David Young said: “When he’s fully focused Andy is one of the
best back-row forwards in the country.
“However, it’s fair to say this last season has been a difficult one for Andy following the unwise incident with the golf buggy and he has lost his way somewhat.
“Both parties felt it was in the best interests of the region and Andy if we parted company and we wish him well with his future rugby career.”
Powell has won 14 Wales caps and toured with the Lions last summer, and his agent said in a statement: “Andy would like to thank Cardiff Blues for all of their support over the last five memorable years.
“Andy, however, felt that he needed a new challenge and sees this next season as pivotal in his ambitions to represent his country and play in the World Cup next year.”