KeithQuinnRugby
Thinking and talking about rugby every day for 50+ years
You are here: Home » Sporting Quotes
Either way it's a good quote; 'When a cricketer gets hit in the private parts, he hopes the pain will go away very soon but the swelling doesn't!'
'Those who can play ...play
'Those who can't play ...coach
'Those who can't coach ... write
'And those who can't write - become commentators!'
'Unless I am very much mistaken...I AM very much mistaken...!'
'A smile is the light in your face which tells people your heart is at home!'
'Winning isn't everything; but wanting to IS!'
'Yes, I AM drunk again, but I'm not an alcoholic; I only have a drink every time Richie McCaw is offside!'
Writing about the Government in power in Australia in 2014; "Fumble, Bumble, Tumble, Stumble and Mumble. This Abbot Government embraces all the 'Umbles - except Humble!"
"Don't be afraid to go out on a limb, often that's where the best fruit is found!"
"Welsh rugby players, if not born, are certainly conceived on a rugby field!"
"They used to say the two most important players in any rugby team were the tighthead prop and the reserve tighthead prop!"
'In New Zealand rugby comes first, rugby comes second, rugby comes third, fourth, fifth and sixth.'
'After you've seen one wall, you've seen 'em all!'
'We take life too lightly and sport too seriously.'
'I'm on a whiskey diet, I've lost three days already!'
'When you lose something the journey back is longer than the forward run.'
In Port Elizabeth the Springboks complete a 4-test rout of Fred Allen's touring team. Ouch! This series really hurt!
QUINNELL, DEREK
Llanelli and Wales
23 internationals for Wales 1972–80
5 internationals for British Isles 1971–80
QUINNELL, SCOTT
Llanelli, Richmond and Wales
52 internationals for Wales 1993-2002
3 internationals for British Lions
QUINNELL, CRAIG
Llanelli, Richmond, Cardiff and Wales
32 internationals for Wales 1995-2002
One of the big names of Welsh rugby through the 1970s, Derek Quinnell was a rugged and durable forward who could, and did, play in various positions in international matches. Later, his two sons Scott and Craig, who were bigger physically than he was, both played for Wales and one of them followed him into a British Lions touring team.
Derek Quinnell hit the headlines when he was named for the 1971 British Isles tour to New Zealand as the only uncapped player in the side. While on tour he made his international debut against the All Blacks at Wellington. His first game for Wales was as a replacement against France in Cardiff in 1972. In his long career, which included three tours for the British Isles, he played in four teams that beat various All Black sides, which could be a record for a British player – twice in tests for the British Isles, once for the Barbarians and once for his club Llanelli, in its famous game in 1972.
When his playing days were over Quinnell was quickly promoted, first to being a Welsh selector and then as assistant coach of the Welsh team for the Rugby World Cup in 1987.
The first of his sons, Scott, made his debut only 13 years after his father quit. Scott became hugely popular with Welsh fans throughout a career which lasted ten seasons. He was a massive man and his barging runs from the number eight position were seen as a symbol of hope for Welsh rugby that success would follow if everyone could follow the example set by big Scott.
His career had a number of twists and turns. He was lured to rugby league in 1995 and played for Wigan. That meant he missed the World Cup that year. But with the arrival of the professional rugby union game he was back by 1997. He tried his hand with the Richmond club in London but when they fell on hard times he went back to his home town of Llanelli. In his time he went on two Lions tours but in one, to South Africa in 1997, he did not play in any of the test matches. It was in 2001 that he really showed what he could do. In that year’s Lions team he played in his usual bustling style and was rewarded with selection in the three test matches against Australia. The legion of British fans who followed the tour loved him and, one suspects, the Aussie fans admired him.
He played well after returning home but grew weary of the consistent back and knee problems and after playing against Canada in Millennium Stadium in 2002 he waved to the crowds afterwards and announced his retirement. He had had a long and illustrious career.
Craig Quinnell was the younger of the two test-playing brothers. He first appeared against Fiji in 1995, a game won by Wales by only 19-15 (two tries each). He was dropped after that, and took 3 years to regain a starting test position. Craig was a lock forward similar in style to his older brother and some respects played in his shadow, though when the two were together they were a powerhouse pair for Welsh teams.
A third brother Gavin played professionally in Wales as well.
The family lines of this family were added to with the addition of the great Barry John into the mix. Derek Quinnell and Barry were brothers-in-law which makes all the boys the nephews of the former great flyhalf.
How many players of Samoan-birth or Samoan heritage have captained the All Blacks in tests? Name them.
What do you think?
Click here to show the answer.