Powell takes up a new role with Brecon

ANDY Powell is making a rugby comeback – as part of the coaching team at Brecon RFC.

The 23-times capped former Wales No.8, who was a Lion during the 2009 tour of South Africa, helped out at his hometown club at the tail-end of last season after calling time on a chequered playing career.

And Brecon have appointed a second Wales international to their coaching set-up in former Cardiff RFC and Blues prop Andrew Lewis.

Lewis will work with the Brecon Youth team, while Powell and Martin Keylock will organise the senior team at the Division One East club.

Brecon spokesman Andy Lewis said: “Andy Powell is a local lad and has played with quite a few of the current side. There’s a natural respect for his achievements. He played for Brecon before joining Newport RFC.”

Powell’s career also took him to Leicester Tigers, French club Beziers, Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, Wasps and Sale Sharks before having a stint with rugby league giants Wigan Warriors.

He returned to union with the Dragons in 2014 but left the following year to sign for ambitious Merthyr, spearheading their push into the Principality Welsh Premiership.

Powell, now 35, announced his retirement last October, revealing he had been suffering from depression.

Lewis, 44, who was capped 29 times by Wales played for Cardiff in the inaugural European Cup final in 1996 and had already been helping out with Brecon at junior level.

Meanwhile, former Wales forward Phil Davies is returning to his rugby roots as head coach of Llanelli RFC.