The Cardiff Blues number eight encourages us to "enjoy what's outside rugby as well."
Raise Your Game: You are a very physical player. How important is that element of your game to you, and where does that part of your game come from?
Andy Powell: I think from a young age, I just ran at the opposition and it's taken on from there really.
RYG: You have come into the Welsh side quite late in your career. What has it taken for you to get to this point?
Profile
Name:
Andrew (Andy) Powell
Born:
23 August 1981
From:
Brecon, Wales
Game:
Rugby
Position:
Number 8
Internationals:
Wales
Club:
Cardiff Blues
Former Clubs:
Scarlets, Beziers, Leicester, Newport.
AP: I think a few bad injuries on the way didn't help, but it helps just to get a run of games together really. That's what I've done this year and as long as I do that I'll play well.
RYG: What has rugby taught you that you have used in other areas of your life?
AP: I've grown up a bit, more than anything. At the age of 19 I went to France, probably a bit too early on in my career, but I've no regrets. There were a few silly things on the way, but that's part of life and of growing up.
RYG: What makes a great team player?
AP: With the Welsh guys at the moment there is just a brilliant spirit in the camp. They are a good bunch of boys and everybody gets on. Everybody is pulling together in the right direction.
RYG: What's the difference between a good and a great rugby player?
AP: You need to be focused and you have to enjoy what's outside of rugby as well. You can't be too serious about rugby all the time.
RYG: What advice would you give to young people looking to be the next Andy Powell?
AP: Just enjoy every single minute of it. Set yourself goals in life and try and follow them.
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