Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris said on Thursday that they had ruled out a move to sign Wales rugby union forward Andy Powell.
Crusaders coach says he will not add to his squad before the end of the season
Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris said on Thursday that they had ruled out a move to sign Wales rugby union forward Andy Powell.
The Wrexham-based Super League club had expressed an interest in securing the services of Powell, who recently departed Wasps, last year.
The plan was to link Powell up with his former Wales captain Gareth Thomas in the 13-man code, but the player instead opted for a move to the Aviva Premiership.
However, Harris, who took over from Brian Noble as Crusaders head coach prior to the 2011 season, said they were unlikely to make a fresh approach given Powell's sudden availability.
Harris, himself a former dual-code international player, said he would not be adding to his squad before the end of the current season.
"We haven't got any thoughts on the issue," he said. "We are trying to solve the problems of beating Leeds at Headingley on Saturday.
"When the time is right we will start to think about next year but we will put all our energy into Leeds at the moment.
"I don't know Andy Powell. I don't know his personality and until you know someone's personality you tend not to make decisions about people.
"We are just concentrating on this week."
Powell's Wasps contract was recently terminated by mutual consent after he had previously been suspended pending an investigation into a pub brawl.
Infamously, the 29-year-old was also arrested last year for driving a golf buggy on a motorway while drunk after celebrating Wales' Six Nations victory over Scotland.
Progress
Meanwhile, Harris said he is convinced progress is being made at the Racecourse Ground despite the club going into administration during the winter.
He said: "I think the club is bedding in exceptionally well.
"I think the off-field stuff is starting to grow and the club is going to grow at a steady pace.
"I don't think it can afford to be erratic and do the rollercoaster ride it has had over the last two or three years.
"I think it needs some stability on and off the field and we have started to get that mix right and get the club running efficiently."
The Rugby Football League will announce in July which clubs are to be awarded licences to compete in Super League from 2012-14.
With Widnes having already been assured of elevation from the Championship, a current member is expected to miss out.
Even so, Crusaders' place is not believed to be under significant threat.
Harris added: "There is a good excitement around Wrexham, they are starting to get excited about rugby league here.
"Hopefully when the licences come we will show we will certainly be here for the next three years and hopefully for a long time after that."
