 Quinnell played in two contrasting eras for Llanelli |
Former Lions forward Scott Quinnell has announced his retirement earlier than he originally hoped because of injury. The Welsh number eight had planned to play until the end of the season but has been forced to quit immediately because of a hand problem.
He has not played since he was injured in a Celtic League game in November.
"I've been lucky with what I have achieved and you have to be thankful for that," said the 32-year-old, who won 52 Welsh caps.
Quinnell made his debut for Llanelli aged 18 but after helping Wales win the Five Nations he was lured into rugby league with Wigan in 1994.
 |  It's a question now of looking to new horizons and getting on with things |
Returning to rugby union he signed for Richmond before returning to the Scarlets, where he played a total of 146 games.
He also featured on two Lions tours, in 1997 to South Africa and the 2001 trip to Australia.
"It's just unfortunate - and it's ironic that the thing that finished my career was my hand rather than my knees," he said.
"It's a question now of looking to new horizons and getting on with things."
MMIX
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