Cardiff Blues are finalising paperwork to release Wales and British and Irish Lions back-rower Andy Powell from his contract at the region.
The 28-year-old is believed to be on the verge of joining Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards at London Wasps.
"Last season has been a difficult one for Andy following the unwise incident with the golf buggy, he's lost his way somewhat," said Blues coach Dai Young.
"Both parties felt it was in the best interests if we parted company."
Brecon-born Powell won the last of his 14 caps in Wales' remarkable Six Nations comeback win over Scotland in February.
The night after the game he was arrested for, and later admitted to, driving a golf buggy on the M4 motorway while drunk.
Powell was dropped from the Wales squad, but has always been a favourite with national coach Warren Gatland and was recalled for the June Tests.
His hopes of an immediate return in the red of his country were scuppered by a thigh injury, though.
Powell, who had a year left on his Blues contract, made his Wales debut against South Africa in 2008 after a nomadic career that had seen him play for Newport, Leicester, Beziers and the Scarlets before joining the Blues in 2005.
He made a huge impact in his first international season, winning a place on the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa.
But he has struggled for game time in his favoured number eight position, captain Ryan Jones wearing that jersey for Wales and former All Black Xavier Rush for the Blues.
Rush signed a contract to move to Ulster next season, but has since reversed his decision and re-signed at the Blues.
In that time, Powell has been linked with moves to Agen and to rugby league side Crusaders.
Wasps now appear favourites to secure his services, though, opening up the possibility that he will link up with Edwards at the London club.
"Everyone at the Blues would like to thank Andy for his services to the region over the past five years," said Young.
"When he is fully focused, Andy in one of the best back-row forwards in the country, as he showed when he was deservedly called up to represent his country and the British and Irish Lions during his time with the Blues."
A statement from Powell's agent Emanuele Palladino said: "Andy would like to thank Cardiff Blues for all of their support over the last five memorable years.
"His time at the club has been extremely enjoyable and positive, and has seen him enjoy a meteoric rise through the ranks to become a Welsh international and Lion.
"Andy, however, felt that he needed a new challenge and sees this next season as pivotal in his ambitions to represent his country and play in the World Cup next year."

bbc.co.uk/sport

12/07/2010