Andy Powell burst on to the international stage with a Man of the Match performance against South Africa in Wales' opening autumn international of 2008. Though Wales slipped to a 20-15 defeat at the hands of the World Champions, Powell's tireless work-rate and a searing break from the fringes of a ruck announced his talents to a world audience.

At 27, No.8 Powell's emergence into the Welsh setup was a long and often frustrating road, with his career having taken in stints at Newport, Beziers, Scarlets and Cardiff Blues. Joining the Blues in 2005, Powell's direct and muscular style of play earned him a run in the side until a debilitating run of injuries threatened to end his career.

Powell first injured his right shoulder against Ulster in April 2006, undergoing shoulder reconstruction surgery at the start of the 2006-07 season. Having missed the majority of the season, he made a try-scoring comeback during the Blues' 48-0 win over Edinburgh, only to suffer an injury to his left shoulder that would also require surgery and rule him out of the start of the 2007-8 season.

Powell's return to the Blues' first team came following an injury to talismanic Kiwi Xavier Rush, but some outstanding performances against Gloucester in the Heineken Cup and Leicester in Anglo-Welsh competition led to his first cap against the Springboks.

He was selected for the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa but started in bizarre fashion when an insect bite ruled him out for the first tour match. Powell's tour was a mixed one, with his performances imporving as it progressed, although he was a major success among his team-mates.

Powell returned to duty with Wales in November, but was shifted to blindside in order to accommodate Ryan Jones. He retained the position for the start of the 2010 Six Nations, playing against England at Twickenham and also in Wales' thrilling win over Scotland in Cardiff.

Following the Scotland win Powell was arrested and charged with drink-driving after taking a golf buggy from the team hotel and driving to a nearby service station. He was subsequently dropped from the Wales squad with immediate effect and banned from driving for 15 months. In the summer of 2010 he negotiated a release from his contract with the Blues in order to join Wales coach Shaun Edwards at Wasps.

Powell spent a year at Wasps and turned in 14 appearances for them in the Premiership. But on May 5, 2011, Powell was involved in bar brawl in London which propelled him back onto the front pages. Powell left Wasps by mutual consent and took up a contract at Sale.

Powell went to the 2011 World Cup with Wales and turned in four appearances for them in New Zealand. He was part of the 2012 Six Nations squad, but only made one showing from the bench in their match against Scotland. But while his international career was stalling, for Sale he was playing some of the best rugby of his life. His performances were recognised with a nomination for the game changer award from Premiership Rugby.