Powell enjoying building a new life!
ANDY Powell is enjoying life doing charity work, being a father, pundit, after-dinner speaker and rugby coach, writes ANDY HOWELL.
And arguably Welsh rugby’s most colourful character has even been helping a pal out by working on a building site!
Powell called time on a playing career that had brought him the highest honour in the British and Irish game, with the Lions in South Africa nine years ago, following a battle with depression.
But the former back-rower, with a CV that has the names of 14 clubs on it, is back to his old self with a burgeoning diary of events as he makes a splash with his story-telling as an after-dinner speaker.
The popular Powell has a whole host of stories to tell with ‘Buggygate’ – he was banned from driving after motoring along the M4 in a golf buggy following a night celebrating Wales’ dramatic victory over Scotland in the 2010 Six Nations – having ensured him notoriety.
“It was tough finishing as a player but things are good at the moment. I’m doing a lot of charity work, after-dinner speaking, media and being a father,” he explained.
“I’ve also helped a mate out with a couple of days’ working on a building site. My life has certainly evolved.
“My son Henry is three-and-ahalf and he’s brought a bit of a reality check. He’s at an interesting age and I’m enjoying being kept busy.”
Powell may be forging a reputation as a guest speaker but he’s also got designs on moving up the coaching ladder after proving a hit with hometown club Brecon RFC this season.
They’re set for a high finish in Division One East, with Powell saying: “If we can end it third it will be a great season.
“We are building, we have got a young squad and we haven’t lost a game by more than 11 points in the league.”
Powell is undertaking the WRU’s level three coaching course and hopes to have another couple of years at Brecon before trying his luck elsewhere with England and France on his radar.
“I probably want to go as far as I can and I think I have got good man-management skills,” he said.
“A lot of people go by the book but I think there’s more to it than that. I played for 14 clubs so I’ve picked up bits from the coaches I’ve worked with.
“Ian McIntosh, when I started off at Newport, and Warren Gatland are the two best union coaches I’ve worked with.
“‘Mac’ knew I was a bit of a character but knew how to handle me and didn’t stop picking me. I was probably very hard to manage but he got the best out of me because of his man management skills and it was the same with Gatland with Wales.”