FORMER Pontypool lock forward Mike Powell is relishing the prospect of European rugby with his new club Bridgend.

The Caldicot-based line-out specialist was snapped-up by former Newport and current Bridgend coach Allan Lewis after an outstanding season with Pontypool in Division One. But, after the highs of last season's Principality Cup run with Pooler, Powell now has his eyes firmly focused on the Parker Pen Challenge Cup and French outfit Pau who Bridgend have been drawn to face.

"I'm really looking forward to the European competition. It's one of the main reason why I came to Bridgend, to face European opposition.

"Pau will be a great test for us and hopefully I will have secured a place in the team by October when we face them," said Powell.

Since making the step-up to top-flight Welsh rugby and life as a full-time professional, Powell has seen a big difference in his game.

"It's definitely paying off being full-time. We had our first training session with fitness coach Huw Bevan on Monday.

"Being full-time, we train every day doing fitness work and weights. It's a lot different to when I was with Pontypool and it's making a difference even though it's hard," he added. Bridgend will line-up against English giants Bath in a pre-season fixture at The Brewery Field, and it is a game that Powell should play a part in.

"Hopefully, I can make an impression in the friendlies we have coming up and, if I do so, stake a claim for a place in the first team for the start of the season."