Nic White's return to Australia prompts Wallabies halfback to shift south
Brumbies halfback Joe Powell has jumped ship to the Melbourne Rebels after six years in Canberra.
Currently with the Wallabies in New Zealand, preparing for the Bledisloe Cup, Powell fills a vacancy left in Melbourne with the departure of Ryan Louwrens back to Japan.
Powell and fellow Wallabies halfback Nic White would both be tussling for the starting jersey at the Brumbies and he will be guaranteed of more game time with the Rebels.
With 73 appearances for the Brumbies after making his debut in 2015, Powell started for the Canberra team in last month's Super Rugby AU title win over Queensland.
"To play one time for the club was incredible, but to play 73 times and go out winning a trophy is a special feeling and I've enjoyed every minute of my time with the club," Powell said in a statement.
"I'm happy to be continuing my career in Australia and I'm looking forward to a new challenge in Melbourne."
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said it was tough to see Powell leaving Canberra.
"I've coached Joe for a long time, here at the Brumbies and with the Tuggeranong Vikings and it's been a pleasure to see his growth over the years.
"I've no doubt Joe will be a success wherever he goes, and I wish him all the best for the future."
- Melissa Woods
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Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.
Go to commentsIn the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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