Gavin Quinnell says he has the hunger to return to the Scarlets

Gavin Quinnell has returned to the Scarlets on a two-year contract.

"It's good to be coming back to Wales and obviously to be back with the Scarlets is a real bonus," he said.

The 26-year-old has been away from Llanelli for four years, spending two years at Worcester and the last two years at Italian Super 10 side Viadana.

The uncapped 6ft 7ins, 21st forward can play flanker, eight or lock and is the son of Derek and brother of fellow Welsh internationals Scott and Craig.

"It's great to have him back," said Scarlets coach Nigel Davies.

[Quinnell needs to] use the experience he has gained in Italy to maximum impact Scarlets coach Nigel Davies

"Gavin is an established impact player and will bring something different to our forward play, his size and physicality and attitude to rugby is something that we can use and we know he's a committed Scarlet.

"He's a big ball carrier, strong and powerful and will be a very physical presence on the pitch which will be good for us next season.

"For the region, it's good news to see him back in our ranks, he understands what our rugby is all about and knows what it means to pull on the Scarlets shirt and I'm sure our supporters will give him a warm welcome home.

"But equally, he needs to be his own man, make his own mark at this juncture in his career and use the experience he has gained in Italy to maximum impact.

"We'll be treating him as an individual and want to create competition for places in this squad and challenge all our players to get the best out of them."

Quinnell debuted for the Scarlets in 2001 and won 23 caps for the region before leaving for Worcester, where he scored nine tries in 20 appearances in his first season.

He has played once at the Scarlets' new stadium, for the Barbarians against his former region at the official opening of Parc y Scarlets in January last year.

"I followed the Scarlets last season and it's good to see so many young players coming through well," said Quinnell, Derek's youngest son.

"There's the makings of a great team there and plenty of really proud, enthusiastic players who want to achieve more. It will be interesting to be part of the new set-up and be part of this squad.

I know the weight of expectation from Scarlets fans Gavin Quinnell

"I'm just really looking forward to joining them and getting into pre-season training with the team next week.

"I've learnt a lot and had some great experience in Italy. It's been good to be part of a different set-up and culture and Viadana has been a good place for me to be.

"I think I've got plenty to offer the Scarlets now, particularly after being out of Welsh rugby a while.

"My hunger to get back and play here is more than ever before. I'm known for being a physical player and playing rugby hard, but I just want to get better and play to the very best of my ability when I'm given the opportunity, because that shirt means a lot to me and my family.

"For me, the family connection with rugby is just an added motivation - I'm much more experienced now, and I know the weight of expectation from Scarlets fans, who are great supporters and I'm back to prove myself in my own right."

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