Hock and Mossop off to NRL as Wigan sign Powell

Wigan have confirmed the signing of Wales rugby union international Andy Powell, while Gareth Hock and Lee Mossop will move to the NRL for 2014.

Powell, 31, is hoping to play for Wales at this year’s Rugby League World Cup, and will join up with the Warriors on a two-and-a-half year deal at the end of the rugby union season, when his commitments with Sale Sharks are over.

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said: “This is a good signing for us.

“The trend in recent years has been for top Rugby League players to make the move in the opposite direction and the signing of Andy is a marquee moment for the sport. Rugby League is a magnificent game of great attraction to Rugby Union players for its speed and open try-scoring style.

“Andy is a strong and powerful rugby player and I am certain he will be able to make the switch of codes successfully. We are delighted to get his signature and this is a coup for the Wigan club to acquire a player of his talent and potential.

Homegrown pair Hock, who is currently on loan at Widnes, and Mossop will move to Parramatta Eels, with the Warriors receiving six-figure sums for each player.

Both players have signed two year contracts for 2014 and 2015, with a further one-year mutual option for 2016.

As part of the agreement, Wigan will also have first refusal to sign each player, should they decide to return to Super League in the future.

The Warriors also confirmed a new five-year deal for in-form back-rower Liam Farrell, and that former St Helens half-back Sean Long is set to join their coaching staff.