The 25-year-old full back went to Paris with Team GB as a reserve for the sevens tournament but was drafted in to play in the seventh-place play-off victory over Ireland. She joined fellow Welsh international Jasmine Joyce in the line-up for that game at Stade de France.
Powell has 16 caps to her name since making her debut in 2019. Prior to that she appeared for Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and on the World Sevens Series.
She becomes the third Welsh international player to join Harlequins this week in the wake of the singings for the men’s team of Leigh Halfpenny and Wyn Jones. She will join a women’s squad that already contains Welsh caps in hooker Carys Phillips, wing Lisa Neumann and lock Abbie Fleming.
“She’s a skilful and exciting player who brings a wealth of international experience and quality to our squad,” claimed Quins head coach Toss Chisholm.
“She is strong in both attack and defence and is dangerous with ball in hand. We’re excited to see what Kayleigh can achieve in Quins colours this season.”
Powell previously played for Bristol Bears in the Premiership and was playing on a dual contract between the Welsh Rugby Union and Team GB.
