Gavin Quinnell

Gavin Quinnell (born 25 November 1983 in Llanelli, Wales) is a former Welsh rugby union player. His career was ended as a result of an eye gouge in a Welsh premiership game. He played for several teams in England, Wales and Italy but finished his career with Magners league side Llanelli Scarlets. He is the son of Derek Quinnell and brother of Scott Quinnell and Craig Quinnell, all former Wales internationals.

Gavin Quinnell
Birth nameGavin Quinnell
Date of birth (1983-11-25) 25 November 1983
Place of birthLlanelli, Wales
Height2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
Weight138 kg (304 lb)
Notable relative(s)Craig Quinnell (brother)
Scott Quinnell (brother)
Derek Quinnell (father)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker, Number eight, Lock
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2001-2006
2006-2008
2008-2010
2010-		 Scarlets
Worcester
Viadana
Scarlets		 23
32		 (25)
(55)
Correct as of 17:57, 13 February 2008 (UTC)

Before joining Llanelli Scarlets he started rugby in his home village for Furnace United RFC, as a youth player where he played mainly at Number 8.

In 2006 he left the Llanelli Scarlets to join Worcester Warriors in a two-year deal.[1] He scored a total of nine tries in 20 appearances in his first season at Sixways and quickly became a cult hero with his all-action displays.

Quinnell can play at Number 8, flanker or lock and established himself as a powerful impact player for Warriors.

After not being offered a new contract by Worcester at the end of the 2007–08 season, Gavin Quinnell was forced to find a new club. He then moved on to Italian Super 10 (now Top12) club Viadana.

On 23 July 2010, Quinnell rejoined his former team Scarlets on a two-year contract.[2]

Quinnell suffered an eye injury 30 minutes into a game against Cross Keys on 2 October 2010. The following Thursday it was confirmed that, despite the best efforts of surgeons, he had lost the sight in his left eye.[3] A Cross Keys player was arrested on suspicion of assault but following investigation by Gwent Police criminal charges were not pursued.[4]

References
  1. "Scarlet Quinnell joins Worcester". BBC Sport. 20 June 2006. Retrieved 13 February 2008.
  2. "Magners League : Teams : Scarlets : Return to Scarlets for back row giant Quinnell". Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 23 July 2010.
  3. "Gavin Quinnell loses sight in his left eye". BBC.co.uk. 7 October 2010. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  4. Quinnell investigation
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