Wasps snap up Andy Powell after sour end to Cardiff career

Wales international Andy Powell has joined Wasps on an initial one-year contract after an acrimonious end to his Cardiff Blues career.

The British and Irish Lion was released on Monday by the Blues, who accused the 28-year-old of "losing his way" as they tore up his contract with two years left to run. Wasps wasted no time in making their move for the back-row forward, with director of rugby Tony Hanks insisting he had no doubts about the player's state of mind.

He said: "Andy makes his move from Cardiff based on his desire to drive both his club and international career and whilst his rugby ability is obvious, the Wasps coaching team have all warmed to Andy immediately and are impressed by his drive and enthusiasm to relocate to London and join Wasps."

In 2008 Powell made his Test debut and has gone on to win 14 caps, but he was suspended by Wales during this year's RBS 6 Nations following an incident that catapulted him into the headlines. Just hours after helping Wales complete a stunning comeback victory against Scotland, he was arrested for and admitted to driving a golf buggy on the M4 while drunk. Wales coach Warren Gatland recalled him for last month's tour to New Zealand, but his hopes of participating in the Tests were ended by a thigh problem.

Powell now wants to put a turbulent period behind him. He said: "After all the talk and speculation about where I will be playing, all I want to do now is get my head down, improve as a player and hopefully, if selected, play in the World Cup next year for my country."

l South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has made two enforced changes for the second Tri-Nations Test in Wellington on Saturday as his team look to make amends for their humbling loss to New Zealand.

With lock Bakkies Botha banned for nine weeks for headbutting Jimmy Cowan in the opening minute of last Saturday's 32-12 defeat and prop Jannie du Plessis ruled out with a calf injury, both Danie Rossouw and CJ van der Linde come into the pack. Another change comes on the bench where loose forward Ryan Kankowski replaces the promoted Rossouw.

The All Blacks have held off naming their squad until tomorrow to assess injuries to a number of players.

South Africa (v New Zealand, Wellington, Saturday): Z Kirchner; J de Villiers, J Fourie, W Olivier, B Habana; M Steyn, R Januarie; G Steenkamp, J Smit (capt), CJ van der Linde, D Rossouw, V Matfield, S Burger, P Spies, F Louw. Replacements: C Ralepelle, BJ Botha, A Bekker, R Kankowski, R Pienaar, B James, G Aplon.