Quinnell accepts specialist’s advice and quits

CRAIG QUINNELL has spoken of his anguish after being forced into premature retirement by a neck problem which has left him one tackle away from life in a wheelchair.

Former Wales lock Quinnell injured the discs in his neck when coming on as substitute for Cardiff against Glasgow two weeks ago, sustaining the damage in contact.

He visited a specialist this week who confirmed his playing days are over, leaving the 30-year-old to reflect on life as a rugby spectator.

He said: “Obviously I’m really disappointed I’m never going to play again whether professionally or even a fun game. The consultant has told me I could be one hit away from a wheelchair and that really hits home how lucky I have been. Hopefully I’ll be able to continue to play other sports such as golf and squash, as well as lead a normal life.

“It’s a very sad time for me and it’s going to be hard to adjust to life without rugby. I’d just like to thank everybody.”

Quinnell won 32 caps with Wales after making his international debut as a flanker against Fiji in 1995. He was a member of the 1999 World Cup squad, played in the famous 32-31 victory over England at Wembley and was an ever-present during the 10-match winning streak under Graham Henry.

His club career started at Llanelli and included stints with Richmond, Saracens and Worcester before he signed up for his second and final spell with Cardiff in 2003. Weighing over 20 stones, the 6ft 1in Quinnell lacked mobility and was criticised for being overweight, but he was an immensely powerful second row who could dominate on his day.

Cardiff director of rugby David Young hailed Quinnell as the strongest lock he had played with. He said: “Craig has always been very supportive to me and has always gone out and given his best on the field. As a player I always wanted to play with him rather than against him and we go back a long way both as a coach and as players. Personally I think his best international performance goes back to the victory over England in Wembley.

“He’s a player who always gave everything and the power that he brought to the game was unmatched by any second row that I played with.”