Ode to Peanut
Ryan Powell
By Andrew Collins
April 2 2006
Ryan Powell, affectionettly known as Penut, has signed a 2-year deal with Guinness Premiership side Worcester Warriors. The scrum half ends 7 seasons with Cardiff and the Blues this summer, and I think fans should be disheartened.
Peanut became cardiff number 2 scrum half this season, the first time since Rob Howley left for Wasps, and he didn't like it. He has had to endure most of the season from the bench knowing Mike Phillips has walked in, and taken his place. Everytime he played well, Phillips played better, so is the life of the number 2, desitined to bench spots and limited chances.
It's a sad way for Powell's great career with Cardiff to come to an end.
I am of course aware that the majority of fans won't see Powell's departure as anything more than untimely, but i want to remind everyone what Ryan has done for Cardiff, and how he gave 110% every time he stepped on the feild.
Having joined the club at 18, Powell was taken under the wing of Brittish Lion and now backs coach, Rob Howley. He spent two years covering the Welsh captain before Rob moved to London to persue a career with Wasps.
He made an impact on fans as a hot-headed spikey-haired character, who despite lacking in height, fronted up to every challenge thrown at him (see picture above - hahaha).
Measuring 5 '8 and 13 stone, Powell was a well built scrum half, who was quick, committed and most of all aggressive. He spent nearly 5 years as Cardiff's first choice number 9, before Dai Young signed the ever-impressive Mike Phillips.
In those 5 years, Powell made 3 appearances in a Welsh shirt as well as over 150 caps for Cardiff and the Blues. How many other players in the squad can match that?
This season, he has played games, but knew he was reserve. He's made 17 appearences, but most of those were from the bench, scoring 1 try.
From a playing point of view, yes, he was undoubtably second choice now, but I can't help but feel this is a big loss. At just 26, Ryan still had a lot to offer, not only was he more than adaquite cover for Phillips, but his game differs so much from Mike's, and works doggedly whenever he gets the chance.
He gave a hell of a lot to us, but found himself under increasing criticsm from the often harsh Cardiff fan base.
He's been a stalwald for the club and region, and played with his heart on his sleeve on every occasion. All too often we see Cardiff players turn up just to collect a pay packet and not care win, lose or draw, Ryan wasn't like that, and it's been a treat supporting him.
As an ode to Ryan, lets cheer every appearnce he makes in his remianing games. Let's not get on top of him for the occasional poor passes, or harp on about the quality of delivery, just admire his ambition and wish him the very best of luck for his time in Worcester.
Cheers Ryan,