Wales No.8 Andy Powell has moved a step closer to a move to Wasps after Cardiff Blues confirmed they are set to release him.
Wasps in pole position to sign Wales No.8
Wales No.8 Andy Powell has moved a step closer to a move to Wasps after Cardiff Blues confirmed they are set to release him.
Although Powell was contracted to the Blues until the end of the 2011-12 season, his future has come under increasing speculation in recent weeks, with Crusaders RL and Agen both linked to moves for him.
Top 14 new boys Agen were even forced to cancel their plans to unveil Powell as their marquee summer signing after the player had a change of heart over a move to France.
Wasps, subsequently, launched their own bid and held talks with the player and the Blues over a potential move to the Aviva Premiership
And after meeting with the Blues Powell, who was kicked out of the Wales squad in February for taking a golf buggy and driving it along the M4 to a service station, looks set to leave Cardiff by mutual consent.
"Everyone at the Blues would like to thank Andy for his services to the region over the past five years," said Blues director of rugby Dai Young.
"When he is fully focused, Andy in one of the best back row forwards in the country, as he showed when he was deservedly called up to represent his country and the British and Irish Lions during his time with the Blues.
"However, I think it's fair to say that this last season has been a difficult one for Andy following the unwise incident with the golf buggy and he has lost his way somewhat.
"Both parties felt it was in the best interests of the region and Andy if we parted company and we wish him well with his future rugby career."
