Warriors Sign Welsh Rugby Union International
Wigan Warriors confirm the signing of Wales Rugby Union Forward, Andy Powell, on a two-and- a- half year Contract for the remainder of 2013 plus Seasons 2014 and 2015.
Andy will join the Warriors at the end of the 2012/13 Rugby Union season in May when his current contract comes to an end.
Andy is a powerful forward who has spent his last two years at Sale Sharks in the Arriva Premiership having previously played for Wasps, Cardiff, Newport and Llanelli. He comes highly recommended as a perfect candidate for code transition to Rugby League by previous Wigan players in rugby Union.
In perfect synergy with Wigan's partnership with Wales Rugby League and with the Rugby League World Cup kicking off at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in October, Andy has represented Wales on 23 occasions and was a member of the British and Irish Lions touring party to South Africa in 2009.
The 31-year-old will begin training with Wigan at the end of May following his wedding and honeymoon.
Speaking about the signing, Wigan Chairman and Owner Ian Lenagan said;
"This is a good signing for us, reminiscent of Scott Quinnell who became a highly successful Wigan forward before returning to Union as an even better player. Andy is a strong and powerful rugby player and I am certain he will be able to make the switch of codes successfully. We are delighted to get his signature and this is a coup for the Wigan Club to acquire a player of his talent and potential.
"It is also a great opportunity for Wales to have him in their Rugby League World Cup squad in autumn."
"The trend in recent years has been for top Rugby League players to make the move in the opposite direction and the signing of Andy is a marquee moment for the sport. Rugby League is a magnificent game of great attraction to Rugby Union players for its speed and open try-scoring style. The addition of Andy to the Wigan squad is of great interest to players, fans and Press alike and we all look forward to seeing him in the famous Cherry-and-White shirt in the next few months."
Andy Powell added;
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I am really looking forward to. I have always thought that a move to Rugby League could be an option for me at some point in my career and when I learned of Wigan Warriors interest I was excited about the chance to make the switch. Wigan Warriors are the biggest name in Rugby League; they also have a rich history of Welsh connections over the years and are a huge name in the Principality.
"I am thrilled to be given this chance and with the help of the Wigan Warriors Coaching Staff, I am looking forward to being able to make the transition between codes. This is a huge new chapter in my Rugby career and I can't wait to get started."
Wigan Warriors Head Coach Shaun Wane commented;
"Andy will add strength and power to our forward line. He has excellent ball-handling skills and we are all looking forward to him joining us. His rugby experience both at Club and International level in Union is second to none and I am certain he will be also a huge success with Wigan and in Super League."
Powell could be the first of a number of Rugby Union recruits heading to the Super League club to complement quality young Wigan-trained players and young players with strong potential from Wales and from other Super League clubs after Chairman Ian Lenagan outlined the Club's innovative and already successful player recruitment strategy at a Press Conference on Tuesday morning.
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