Andy Powell: Joining Wigan in May
Wigan have completed the signing of Wales rugby union forward Andy Powell from Sale Sharks.
The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the Warriors and will join up with the club at the end of the 2012/13 Aviva Premiership season in May.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I am really looking forward to," said Powell. "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 said: "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."
Wigan chairman and owner Ian Lenagan added: "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.
"It is also a great opportunity for Wales to have him in their 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."
Powell has spent his last two years at Sale having previously played for Wasps, Cardiff, Newport and Llanelli.
He toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 2009 and won the last of his 23 caps for Wales in February 2012. Source : http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12215/8667183/Super-League-Wales-international-Andy-Powell-signs-for-Wigan-Warriors
