The Scarlets have issued the following joint statement on behalf of the Quinnell family and the rugby region in connection with the serious eye injury recently sustained by back five forward Gavin Quinnell during a game between Llanelli RFC and Cross Keys RFC on Saturday 2nd October 2010.
“It is with a huge disappointment and regret that today we can confirm that our Scarlets player Gavin Quinnell has received a conclusive report from medics that he has permanently lost his sight in his left eye.
“Gavin underwent eye surgery on Saturday night at Newport Gwent Hospital following an injury he sustained playing for Llanelli RFC on Saturday afternoon.
“The news was confirmed to him yesterday (Weds) afternoon following a consultation with a team of ophthalmic specialists at Newport Gwent Hospital.
“Naturally, the Quinnell family are all shocked and devastated and have asked to be given time and space to come to terms with the news and allow them to concentrate on giving Gavin their full support and attention.
“Gavin and his family have also asked the Scarlets to express their gratitude for the numerous messages of support and the heartfelt wishes they have received from the rugby community across the world and from supporters of the Scarlets.
“The family would like to add that Gavin is coping well, given what he has been through and they are all very proud of the way he is handling the situation.
“It is very sad news for all those connected with Llanelli rugby, the Scarlets family and rugby as a whole and all our best wishes and thoughts are with Gavin.
“The Scarlets will continue to offer Gavin and his family all the support they require going forward.
“The Scarlets and Llanelli RFC lodged a formal citing complaint on Monday 4th October to the Welsh Rugby Union in connection with an incident at Cross Keys RFC on Saturday 2nd October in the Principality Premiership.
“The matter is now in the hands of Gwent Police who are investigating an allegation of assault. Therefore no further information will be released while these enquiries are ongoing.”
The Scarlets would respectfully request members of the media to uphold the wishes of Gavin’s family not to be contacted directly and give them the privacy they deserve at this time.
Gavin, 26, is the son of Llanelli Association President and Scarlets board member Derek Quinnell and brother of Scarlets great and Welsh international Scott Quinnell and Welsh international Craig Quinnell.
Gavin signed a two-year contract with the Scarlets this season returning to Llanelli from Italian club Viadana in the summer. He has previously won 23 caps for the region – leaving Llanelli to join Worcester Warriors in 2006, where he was a firm favourite with supporters, scoring nine tries in 20 appearances in his first season with the English club. He then moved onto two seasons with Italian Super 10 club Viadana.
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