Quinnell wants to concentrate on a coaching career

The Scarlets No 8, who quit Test rugby in 2002, says he has been spending too much time in the physio room and that he wants to concentrate on coaching.

"I've still got a few good games in me, but each season it's getting tougher to keep this old body going," said the 32-year-old.

"I think the end of this season will be the right time to move on."

He's been a huge player in every sense of the word Scarlets coach Gareth Jenkins

Quinnell took over as coach of the Llanelli RFC semi-professional side at the start of the season, but he says he also still has plenty to do with the Scarlets before he hangs up his boots.

"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," said Quinnell.

He first joined Llanelli as an 18-year-old back in 1990 and went on to represent the club on 146 occasions, scoring 32 tries, before switching codes in 1994.

Quinnell signed for Wigan rugby league club in a �400,000 transfer and was capped for Wales at rugby league before returning to the 15-man code in 1997 with Richmond.

After the London club went bust, Quinnell returned to his beloved Stradey Park in 1998.

SCOTT QUINNELL Born: 20/08/72 in Morriston, Swansea Height: 1.93m/6ft 4in Weight: 118kg/18st 8lb Honours: Wales Under-18, Wales Youth, Wales Under-19, Wales Under-21, Wales, Wales RL, Lions Clubs: Llanelli (2 spells), Wigan RL, Richmond, Scarlets Wales caps: 52 (11 tries) Test debut: 1993 v Canada Lions caps: 3 (1 try)

Since the domestic game went regional last year, 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, having scored 11 tries and captained his country on seven occasions.

He also toured twice with the Lions, to South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001, winning three caps and scoring one try.

"He's 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 Scarlets coach Gareth 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.

I wanted him to come back and play for Wales From The-Original-Ebbw-Steelman Join the Scrum V debate

"He's played some his best rugby at Stradey Park and been at the forefront of some memorable results.

"But he's 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 season's Heineken Cup.

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