22 Apr MIKE POWELL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Bridgend Ravens wing Mike Powell has confirmed his retirement from the game at the end of the campaign. 

A product of the Bridgend Athletic youth system, Powell initially joined Bridgend Ravens in 2014 and went on to make 151 appearances for his hometown club over two spells.

‘Falcon’ crossed the whitewash 32 times during his time with the club and was part of the team which won Bridgend’s third Welsh National Cup in 2015, beating Pontypridd 19pts to 15 at Principality Stadium. He was also a member of the squad which secured the club’s top flight status in 2018/19.

Powell also featured for Bridgend Athletic, Ebbw Vale, Aberavon and Maesteg during his career.

After confirming his retirement, Powell commented “Having grown up five minutes from the Brewery Field, all I ever wanted to do was play for Bridgend. I remember going to watch the likes of Richard Mustoe, Aisea Havili and Sililo Martens play and desperately wanting to do the same. 

I had to wait a little while to play for Bridgend after a year at Aberavon, but as soon as I joined back in 2014 I didn’t look back. I had a few words whispered in my ear from Wayne Hall in that pre-season which made me buck up my ideas, that’s for sure! 

I will look back on my time with great pride and winning the Swalec Cup in 2015 will go down as my greatest achievement in rugby.

Playing for Bridgend also allowed me to play alongside my best mate, Rhodri Apsee for a number of years which was a privilege. I’ve made friends for life and I’ll miss playing every Saturday but I certainly won’t miss training! 

There are too many people to thank, but I have to give a shout out particularly to Dickie and John for the time they give up and things they do which go unseen. Without them, and the likes of Nadia (Gareth Davies) and the medical team, the boys would struggle to turn up on time let alone pack the right kit!”