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Powell handed 15-month driving ban

Andy Powell has been banned from driving for 15 months © Getty Images

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Wales back-row Andy Powell has been banned from driving for 15 months after pleading guilty to driving a golf buggy while unfit through drink.

Powell was arrested at a motorway service station at junction 33 of the M4 hours after Wales' thrilling Six Nations victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on February 13.

He was subsequently dropped from the squad for the rest of the tournament and pleaded guilty at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on March 2. The Cardiff Blues powerhouse was also ordered to pay a £1,000 fine and £100 costs following the incident.

"He is regretful that any young boy who may see him as a hero might think this behaviour is acceptable and he wants to make it plain that it isn't," his lawyer Conrad Gadd said.

Powell made his Test debut for Wales against South Africa in 2008 and has won 14 caps as well as touring with the British & Irish Lions in 2009. He admitted in an interview with the Daily Mail that he fears for his international future.

"After beating Scotland the way we did I had a few too many beers and enjoyed the night a bit too much," he said. "I should have been thinking more about what I was doing and, if I had, I would never have done it. It was a stupid prank which went badly wrong. I regret terribly what I did.

"I know it could cost me my international career and that tears me up inside every time I think about it. Gutted is not a strong enough word for how I feel. I've brought it all upon myself and I realise now that it could have a serious effect on my future."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.