ALIX Popham is still aiming for a Wales cap though he is soon to be based in the North of England, writes Robin Davey.

He says he is leaving Welsh rugby because he wants to play in England and start enjoying his rugby again.

The 22-year-old Wales A back row forward is quitting Newport to take up a two-year contract with Leeds after six years at Rodney Parade.

"My first aim is to get into the Leeds team, and if I do that and play regularly and well for them, I hope the Welsh selectors won't be able to ignore me," said Popham.

"I'm grateful for what Newport have done for me but I want to get out of Wales and start enjoying my rugby again.

"Leeds are going well this season, and it's a better standard of rugby in the Zurich Premiership."

Popham went on loan to Leeds last season for six weeks, and was named man-of-the-match against Newcastle.

Then they only just escaped relegation, but they strengthened in the summer and former Bath coach Jonathan Callard, the ex-Newport full-back, joined their coaching team headed up by Phil Davies, the former Wales captain.

They shocked champions Leicester in their first game and are second in the Zurich Premiership table, a point behind Gloucester after winning all three games.

Popham had to play second fiddle to Gary Teichmann at Newport and when he might have expected to win a place after the South African legend retired he was first frustrated by a broken wrist and then by the emergence of Andrew Powell.

"I wanted to go back up to Leeds but was told I'd be played at Newport," said Popham.

"But I wasn't and Leeds came in with an offer in the summer and another one a few weeks ago, which I accepted."

Popham is able to leave because of a clause in his contract which said he could go with three months' notice if Newport signed an international back-row forward. They did when ex-England international Steve Ojomoh joined them.

Popham now hopes for an early release. "I've enjoyed my time with Newport, but I hope they find somebody soon so they can release me before the three months is up," he said. If he does have to stay Popham says, "I'll do my best whoever I play for."