Quinnell Bows Out A Winner

Scott Quinnell was reduced to tears as his three young children joined him on the pitch at the Millennium Stadium to wave farewell to international rugby.

The ‘Mighty Quinn’ decided earlier in the week the time had come to quit the Test arena after nine years at the top and the 31,000 crowd that turned out to see Wales beat Canada 32-21 gave him a standing ovation.

‘I broke down a bit at the end. It was very emotional,’ admitted Quinnell at the end of his 52nd and final cap.
‘I would like to thank the fans who have been with me over the last nine years. They gave me a great reception today and that’s what rugby is all about.

‘It’s great to finish in such a wonderful stadium. I’ve played with some great players over the years, but I’m looking forward to going home and watching my family grow up.’

Quinnell’s three children, Samantha, Lucy and Steele, ran onto the pitch to join in the farewell celebrations with their father – all three of them sporting Welsh jerseys with the name Quinnell and the No 8 on their backs.

Wales coach Steve Hansen sent the Llanelli warrior into battle after 57 minutes, but there was no chance for Quinnell to add to his record tally for a Welsh forward of 11 tries as the game petered out.

‘Scott made his decision earlier in the week and came and told me. He obviously thought long and hard about it, but he knows it is time for him to go,’ said Hansen.

‘This was a lot better than going out earlier in the week.’
Colin Charvis is the man who will have to fill the No 8 jersey in Quinnell’s absence.

‘I know Scott has his reasons for retiring and we all respect that. He has been a major influence in Welsh rugby and as a group we wish him all the best,’ said the Welsh skipper.

Wales have now won all three games in their autumn series, but face the All Blacks in their final challenge this weekend. Hansen knows that game will be the acid test of his developing side.

‘It’s better to go into it with a game like that behind you, rather than a big win. It certainly put feet firmly back on the floor ansd highlighted the things we need to do next week,’ said Hansen.