Wales forward Andy Powell joins Merthyr RFC

Wales back-row Andy Powell has signed for Merthyr RFC.

The ambitious Welsh Championship side also hopes to sign former Wales captain and hooker Matthew Rees.

Powell played for Newport Gwent Dragons last season following his release by rugby league club Wigan.

The 33-year-old forward, who has won 23 caps for Wales, started his career at Rodney Parade in 1999 before spells at Beziers, Leicester, Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, Wasps and Sale Sharks.

Powell was part of the British and Irish Lions squad that toured South Africa in 2009 but did not make the Test side.

Merthyr have been strengthening on and off the field in order gain admission to the Premiership.

The semi-pro Premiership will be expanded from 12 to 16 clubs from 2016-17, with the top four Championship sides with an A licence going up at the end of next season.

"He [Powell] obviously suits their ambitions," former Wales lock Gareth Llewellyn told BBC Radio Wales Sport.

"If that's what Andy wants to do at this stage of his career then good for him.

"I know everyone thinks everywhere should be a breeding ground for youngsters but you've got to have a bit of a mix.

"They've obviously got ambitions to move very quickly in Merthyr and Andy is a talented player - he'll be extremely talented at that level and he can get them to where they want to go quick."