Plymouth Albion have confirmed that Dan Powell (Pictured Below) signed his new contract this week after returning from Australia, and they have also signed Kieran Westlake (No. 18 Pictured Above) from Camborne.
Dan has been travelling in Australia with team mate Dan Swain, but decided whilst playing for Southern Lions in Perth that he wanted to commit to Plymouth again this season.
Dan said: “I was out for most of last season with a hamstring injury, but after playing in Australia I decided if I was going to make a commitment back in the UK I needed to start with the pre-season matches. I’m fit and looking forward to the season ahead.”
“It was great playing for the Southern Lions, they are a good standard team not dissimilar to Plymouth Albion, but the rugby is different in Australia and I believe I have benefitted from that experience.”
He played with new signing for Plymouth Albion, Teegan Minkley in Perth, and was instrumental in encouraging him to get in touch with Kieran Hallett. Dan is hoping to become a regular starter at fly half in Albion’s quest to get promoted this season.
Kieran Westlake is also confirmed as a permanent player for Plymouth Albion. Kieran spent time with the Cornish Pirates last season and came recommended from them. He appeared for the Pirates in the British and Irish Cup as well as making his Championship debut.
Kieran is excited to be playing permanently with Plymouth Albion, “I was grateful that they got in contact with me and see this as a step forward in my rugby development. It will be a challenge and a step up, but a great opportunity to progress my rugby career. Ideally I would like to play professionally one day and see Plymouth Albion as a good move in this direction.”
Redruth based Kieran, 21, has already had an exciting few years in rugby, he played at under 18 for Exeter Chiefs and captained their academy team. He also spent two years in Australia playing premiership grade rugby before coming back to the Westcountry.
He added, “There’s a great bunch of lads at Albion who have made me feel really welcome, and the coaches have been encouraging and professional. I’m delighted to be part of what will be an exciting season, and I can see that everyone is hungry to do well. Away games will be tough, but we need to make sure that we take our home form to the away matches.”
