Powell Makes Tigers Move

By Lestyn - 27/12/03
December 28 2003

Former Newport and Wales "A" back rower Andy Powell has signed for former Heineken cup champions Leicester Tigers. Powell who began the season at French club Beziers after rejecting a regional contract with the Dragons, will stay with the Zurich Premiership side until at least the summer.

Powell will link up with fellow Welshmen Darren Morris and James Richards at Welford road. Bath were the other side interested in his signature.The 22-year-old had his contract terminated at Beziers earlier this month, after failing to settle at the French club, because of a "language problems and a lack of maturity".

Capped at A level Powell had been seen as one of the most promising youngsters in Wales, but he could never cement a starting place at Newport and his international hopes died in the progress. Hopefully a move to Leicester should see his all round game improve.

Another young Welsh back rower Andy Lloyd could feature for the Ospreys next Friday at Stradey park against the Scarlets. Lloyd will be looking to make his return following an injury prone two years after being capped on Wales's tour of Japan.