NEW defence coach Jason Powell, pictured left, is thrilled to be involved in Blackwood's 100 per cent start to the season - as a player.

Injuries and a month-long work course meant the Glan-yr-Afon Park faithful did not see the best of the Tredegar-born flanker last season.

But Powell has been outstanding in the club's 5-0 winning start this campaign - and he aims to continue giving his best.

"I'm still enjoying my rugby so much at the moment that I have no intentions of finishing," said the powerful 31-year-old. Mark (head coach Mark Thomas) offered me the chance to coach at club level and I was really pleased.

"I'm a level two coach and WRU tutor coach and had been involved with the Gwent Districts under-14s and under-16s. But I wanted to be involved at club level and it's great working with Mark and Roger Bidgood (backs coach) with their knowledge.

"I still love playing. It's no hardship. I train as hard as I did when I was 23 or 24 and I give 100% in every game."

Cross Keys, whom he served superbly for eight seasons, and many an opponent will vouch for that, for Powell has never shirked hard work or the physical side of the game.

But he has never been sent off and only twice been yellow carded in 14 years as a player. "I'm proud of that record," he said. "I suppose I'm fortunate that I'm easy going and nothing riles me."