Next stop Southwell as Powell continues his rugby journey
FOR Andy Powell, the rugby journey goes on.
Some two decades on from when he first burst on the scene, the former Wales and Lions back rower is embarking on his latest challenge.
After three years at the helm of Brecon, he has moved on to become head coach of Southwell RFC, in Nottinghamshire.
It’s a club some way down the English pyramid, in Midlands 2 East (North) to be precise.
But, speaking to Powell, it’s clear he is relishing his latest project, with his passion for the game undiminished.
The 39-year-old lives in the town of Southwell – about 14 miles north-east of Nottingham – so, it’s a role that suits him well.
He loved his time with Brecon, who he guided to a WRU Plate triumph at the Principality Stadium in 2019, but the travelling was just proving too much.
“It was a tough decision to make,” he said.
“I had some great years there and some great success. I will never forget my time at the club.
“But family comes first.
“I was travelling back and forth three times a week. I was staying in Brecon a bit and then back up some weekends.
“It was a lot to do with that.
“It was hard work not seeing the kids every day.
“I have got two boys, six and twoand-a-half. They are growing up.
“You just can’t miss them days, because you can’t get them back.
“I get to see the kids every day now.
“It was just time to move on and I’ve got something new to look forward to now.”
So, begins the next chapter in his much-travelled rugby career, as he takes up the reins at Southwell RFC.
“I am very lucky. It’s been brilliant,” he said.
“I’ve just been training with them for the first time this week now.
“There is potential in this team. There is great attitude and it’s for me now to do my wonders and hopefully get these guys to a different standard.
“It’s exciting and I am enjoying it. “It’s down to me now to put in the hard work, turn up to training early and get these boys to believe what they can become and achieve and hopefully win some silverware.
“I could never take a break from it. I just love coaching.
“It’s something which I probably prefer, to be a coach rather than a player.
“I’ve got a passion for coaching. This is another step and I’m going to enjoy it.”
Powell continues: “I’ve learned so much from coaches over the years. Ian McIntosh was the guy in Newport who brought me on. He knew I was a raw talent.
“Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Steve Diamond were very good.
“Dai Young was good, he gave me my opportunity, so I got my cap.”
While taking bits and pieces from the various coaches he played under, Powell also brings his own philosophy to the job.
“People say you should never use the term old school, but I think old school is the key thing for success,” he said.
“On Tuesday night after training, I got the team manager to get a load of beers.
“We’d had a tough training session and we all had a beer.
“It was the first time I’d met these players and them meeting me. We all sat around and just had a beer.
“It just feels so much more comfortable seeing them now.
“I think you need them values and 100 per cent people forget about them.
“They say it’s not professional, but having a beer is a way of getting to know each other a lot better.
“I have always been comfortable around rugby people and felt natural around them.”