Powell leaves Stradey for Blues

Welsh transfer news

Wales A number eight Andy Powell has joined Cardiff Blues from rival region the Llanelli Scarlets.

Powell, 24, joined the Scarlets last summer after being released by French club Beziers, while he has also played for Leicester and Newport.

But a broken ankle ruled Powell out of much of last season and he now heads to his fifth club in five years.

"Powell indicated that he was unsettled and wished to leave," Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher said.

"We have agreed financial terms with the Blues for the release of his contract."

The Scarlets allowed Powell to train at Stradey Park after he quit Beziers midway through the 2003/4 season because of problems with the language and culture.

But Powell has now moved to new pastures once more: "I'm looking forward to the new season and playing with the quality players they have at the Blues.

"The coaching set-up and facilities are very impressive and I can't wait for the season to start."

Powell follows scrum-half Mike Phillips in making the off-season switch from Stradey Park to the Arms Park.

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