Andy Powell could be on the verge of quitting Welsh rugby and returning to play in the French Championship next season.
The 2009 British & Irish Lions back row forward had a spell at Beziers six years ago before returning to Wales to play for the Dragons, Scarlets and Cardiff Blues.
But now the unsettled Powell, who missed Wales’ summer tour to New Zealand through injury, is reported in France to be close to agreeing a deal to move to Agen.
Powell still has a year to run on his contract at the Blues, who won the Amlin Challenge Cup last season, but could still move on if a transfer deal was agreed. A meeting between Powell’s agents and the Agen club president earlier this week was reported to have been postponed because of travel difficulties.
But with an offer of a one year contract at around 180,000 Euros, with the option of a further season, on the table, Powell could be lured away.
The 28-year-old has had a difficult year after being thrown out of the Welsh Six Nations squad following a drink-drive episode involving a gold buggy in the wake of the victory over Scotland. He hasn’t played for Wales since, although he was originally selected to go to New Zealand.
A calf injury wrecked his hopes of rehabilitating himself into Warren Gatland’s squad. He also knows that if he does move to France it could well spell the end of his Welsh career.
