Scott Quinnell set to retire from rugby

Wales legend to hang up his boots

Lions, Wales and Llanelli Scarlets' No.8 Scott Quinnell, one of the principality's best forwards of all time, has announced his intention to retire from competitive rugby at the end of this season.

The former Wales captain feels he has been spending too much time in the physio room, and is ready to turn his focus on developing as a coach.

I've still got a few good games in me but each season its getting tougher to keep this old body going and I think the end of this season will be the right time to move on, said Quinnell, who missed the Scarlets' loss to Leinster on Sunday with a knee injury.

The 32-year-old (son of former Wales star Derek and nephew of Barry John) first joined the Llanelli club as an 18-year-old back in 1990 against Penygroes.

He went on to represent Llanelli on 146 occasions, scoring 32 tries in the process, before switching code in 1994.

He returned to Rugby Union with Richmond before coming back to his beloved Stradey Park in 1998. Since the domestic game went regional, he has appeared 59 times for the Scarlets, scoring 10 tries.

Quinnell first played for Wales against Canada in 1993, and 52 caps later played his final game against Canada in 2002.

He scored 11 tried for Wales and captained his country on 7 occasions. He also toured twice with the British Lions, to South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001.

The announcement undoubtedly heralds the end of an era but not quite yet. Quinnell is keen to point out that theres a long way to go this season and he has every intention of ending on a high with some typical barnstorming performances.

I'm looking to the long term but my focus for now will be on helping the boys turn things round and have a much better second half to the season, he said.

His mentor, Scarlets coach Gareth Jenkins, says he believes Quinnell has the makings of a highly successful coach.

Hes been a huge player in every sense of the word and I have no doubt that he still has a lot to give the game of rugby, said Jenkins.

"His playing record speaks for itself, he has been awesome and a fit Scott Quinnell was always the first name on the team sheet.

"Hes played some his best rugby at Stradey Park and been at the forefront of some memorable results. But hes also been a fantastic ambassador for the club, probably the best we've ever had.

We'll be sad to see him go next year but first Scott has got a big part to play in the rest of the season and our ambition to qualify for next seasons Heineken Cup.

"I really hope he enjoys these games and knowing Scott he'll pull something special out of the bag.