The former Newport, Leicester and Beziers back rower will link up with Wales coach Shaun Edwards at Adams Park following five years with the Blues.
Powell, who currently has 14 caps to his name having made his international debut in November 2008, hopes that a season of impressive performances for his new club will help secure a place on the plane to New Zealand for next year’s global showpiece.
“My decision was a pure rugby decision,” said Powell, who has signed an initial one-year contract with Wasps.
“After all the talk and speculation about where I will be playing, all I want to do now is get my head down, improve as a player and hopefully, if selected, play in the World Cup next year for my country.
“To do that I need to be playing well for my club and I think with the coaching team and setup here at Wasps, I will have the perfect opportunity to do that.
“I know Shaun Edwards well of course from my time with the Welsh team, and I took little persuading once I met with Tony Hanks and Trevor Woodman about how serious this team is about success and winning.
“Wasps have pulled together a great squad, with some great coaches and I think this is an environment in which I will thrive as a player and I hope to do my part to help bring success and trophies to Wasps.”
Powell was released by the Blues yesterday following an up-and-down season both on and off the pitch and had been linked with a big-money move to France with Agen and a cross-code switch to the Crusaders.
But the 28-year-old has instead decided to pursue his World Cup dream rather than move to the lucrative Top 14 or experience a new challenge in Rugby League.
That dream is fully supported by his new coaches at Wasps, with director of rugby Tony Hanks hopeful that Powell’s form for his new side will lead to more international appearances for Warren Gatland’s Wales.
“This is a good fit for both Andy and Wasps – we want to give him the platform, on the back of good club performances, to play at the highest level possible and Andy is committed to developing his game and ensuring success for Wasps in 2010/11,” said Hanks.
“Andy makes his move from Cardiff based on his desire to drive both his club and international career and whilst his rugby ability is obvious, the Wasps coaching team have all warmed to Andy immediately and are impressed by his drive and enthusiasm to relocate to London and join Wasps.
“Andy is the first high-profile Welsh signing at the club since Rob Howley and we are confident he will benefit from the environment and ‘Wasps way’ in a similar fashion and become a favourite with the Wasps faithful.”
