ANDY Powell was described by Blues boss Dai Young as 'mixed-up and disillusioned' following his switch from Wales to London Wasps.

Axed from Wales's Six Nations squad earlier this year for his much-publicised golf buggy indiscretion, Lions tourist Powell readily admits he lost his way last season.

After putting pen to paper on a one-year deal with Wasps — where he will form a back-row partnership with the likes of Tom Rees, Serge Betsen and Joe Worsley — Powell has reinvented himself in London, says director of rugby Tony Hanks.

His willingness to work with younger players and leave nothing on the training field has certainly impressed his new boss.

"Andy has impressed me with the way he's taken a role helping a lot of the youngsters," said Hanks.

Expectations

"And this is a guy who's really finding his own feet, what with moving to London and coming to a new club with high expectations.

"But in the first few sessions, he's the guy pulling out loose forwards from the academy to do a few extra sessions.

"He's really worked hard to make sure he's contributing more than just as a player.

"He's desperate to get out there, but we're fortunate with the state of the squad that we can take our time with him and make sure he's fully fit.

"I hope this move can help Andy get into the international set-up again, but he's said right from the start it's about playing well for Wasps first, and that's something that impressed me about him."

Shaun Edwards knows Powell more than most, having worked with him in the Welsh international set-up.

Edwards has seen some of the off-field troubles Powell has suffered, but the Wasps boss is convinced his switch to London will be the remedy needed.

"We're getting a highly motivated player," said head coach Edwards.

"Everyone knows he had his troubles last year, but we feel he's paid his penalties, like missing the rest of the Six Nations.

"As long as he can get a run of games together, he can get some form and be very good for us.

"It wasn't just my doing that he came here. Hanksy asked my opinion, but Tony is the boss and head of recruitment and he has the final say in those matters.

"He felt that Andy has an X-factor about him that would suit our team."

It is a sentiment echoed by Wasps skipper Rees.

"We got our first proper sight of him when we went on our pre-season trip to Poland and the guy is seriously impressive," he said.

"He got stuck in on the training pitch and was keen to do everything he could. Hopefully we haven't seen the best of him."

Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme will work with all 12 Aviva Premiership clubs throughout the year.