And while admitting he still has the desire to pull on an international jersey again the Saints new boy revealed the lure of European rugby at Franklin’s Gardens came first.

"It'll be a big buzz playing back in the Heineken Cup and although I still have ambitions to play for Wales again my first priority will be making the number nine jersey at the Saints my own," said Powell.

"The coaches at Worcester have done a lot for me over the last four seasons and it's unfortunate that we're in the situation we are.

"The supporters have been magnificent, too, turning out in their thousands no matter where we are in the league and they made me feel very welcome when I moved up from Wales."