Wigan sign Wales rugby union forward Andy Powell

Wigan are to sign Wales rugby union international Andy Powell on a three-year deal from Sale Sharks.

Powell, 31, has been linked with a code switch previously, when Brian Noble made an attempt to sign him while in charge at Crusaders in 2010.

His departure from Sale was confirmed by the club’s chief executive and coach Steve Diamond, and he will leave the Salford City Stadium at the end of the rugby union season to join up with the Warriors.

Powell has played 23 tests for Wales, and has also turned out at club level for Cardiff Blues, Leicester Tigers and London Wasps.

A recognised number eight in union, he is likely to line-up in the front row in the 13 man code.

He is likely to come in to contention for a place in Iestyn Harris‘ Wales Rugby League World Cup squad.

Harris is the current assistant coach at Wigan.