Powell joins the All Whites

Joe Powell says his future's away from Newport

Newport flanker Joe Powell has agreed to join Swansea in a bid to play rugby more regularly.

The 27-year-old made only nine appearances for the Black & Ambers last season and feels his future lies away from Rodney Parade.

The back row man had a clause in his contract that allowed him to move on if he was not getting selected regularly.

He said: "There are no hard feelings, but I didn't play enough in the four years I was here. A move to a club where I have a chance of doing that is a good thing."

Pooler move

Newport coach Leigh Jones said: "Obviously, Joe didn't feel his future was with Newport. He's been a tremendous servant to the club and we wish him well."

Powell has signed a two-year deal with Swansea, and joins Peter Buxton through the exit door at Rodney Parade.

One person who won't be coming in, though, is Ireland and Leinster number eight Victor Costello.

Chief executive Keith Grainger said: "I had a call from Costello's agent saying it was nice to hear we had signed his player when we hadn't even spoken!"

Pontypool have clinched the signing of flanker Richard Field.

Field was released by Pontypridd at the end of last season, and returns for his second spell at Pooler.

The Division One club have also appointed former Newport scrum-half Nigel Callard as their backs coach.